Perfect lift off for India's moon mission

@isro/ Twitter

India has successfully launched its second mission to the moon, a week after it aborted the first attempt due to a technical glitch.

Chandrayaan-2 was launched at 13:13 UAE time from the Sriharikota space station in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.

The rocket is carrying an orbiter, a lander and a rover, which has been almost entirely designed and made in India.

The success of this mission will make India only the fourth country after the US, Russia and China to pull off a soft landing on the moon.

According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the lander is expected to touch down on the little-explored south pole of the moon on September 6 or 7.

The orbiter, which has a mission life of a year, will take images of the lunar surface.

Chandrayaan-2 also stands out because of its low cost. The project, worth around $150 million (AED 550 million) has a much smaller price tag compared with similar missions by other countries.

 

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • Afternoons with Helen Farmer

    2:00pm - 5:00pm

    Every weekday afternoon, Helen Farmer will help you to navigate the highs and lows of life in the UAE. Stay up to date with what’s happening and where to go.

  • Off Script with Chris, Robbie & Sonal

    5:00pm - 7:00pm

    The UAE’s alternative take on news, entertainment and sport. Join Chris, Robbie and Sonal as they cut through the clutter to bring you the news, entertainment and sport stories that actually matter.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Flying Taxis

    It sounds like an episode of The Jetsons, but the sight of flying taxis whizzing around our cities could be much closer than you think.

  • Tough penalties for deliberate tax evasion

    The UAE has said that tougher penalties will come into force from 1st August for not keeping proper corporate tax records.