Chandrayaan-1
Rajya Sabha
Chandrayaan-1 was launched by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLC-C11) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre on October 22, 2008. Through several crucial mission manoeuvres and operations, the satellite was injected into lunar orbit on November 8, 2008 at 17:05 hrs. All the operations including the descent of the Moon Impact Probe were successfully completed on November 14, 2008 at 20:35 hrs. Chandrayaan-1 carried payloads which would map the surface of the Moon in various spectral bands to explore the – mineral composition of the lunar surface, availability of ice water in the polar region and Helium 3 on the lunar surface and the radiation effects.
The total cost of the mission including the establishment of Deep Space Network for tracking Chandrayaan-1 is Rs. 386 Crores. It would support enhancement of scientific knowledge about the moon, origin and evolution of earth-moon system and also enthuse the younger generation of scientists to pursue planetary science which when nurtured could provide immense benefit to the society at large. In addition, the mission offers unique advantages in terms of developing technological capabilities for future interplanetary missions of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
This information was given by Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Shri Prithviraj Chavan, in a written reply to a question by Prof. P.J. Kurien in the Rajya Sabha today.
PRA/SKK
(Release ID :45872)