Chandrayaan-2 mission launch has been postponed. (Photo: Isro)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Chandrayaan-2 was scheduled to be launched at 2:51 am on Monday
- Isro, however, postponed the Moon mission owing to a technical snag
- New date for Chandrayaan-2 launch will be announced later
Chandrayaan-2 mission launch has been called off due to a technical snag in the launch vehicle, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said. Chandrayaan-2 mission, India's second mission to the Moon, was scheduled to be launched at 2:51 am on Monday. However, just 56 minutes before the Chandrayaan-2 launch, the Isro postponed the Moon mission owing to a technical snag.
The new date to the Chandrayaan-2 mission launch has not been announced by the space agency. According to the reports, a revised date for the Chandrayaan-2 launch will be announced later.
Addressing a press conference, Isro's public relations officer (PRO) Guruprasad said that a technical snag was observed in the launch vehicle system. Due to the technical snag, Guruprasad said, the launch of the Chandrayaan-2 was deferred.
"India's second mission to Moon, Chandrayaan-2 onboard GSLVMkIII-M1 has been called off due to a technical snag. A technical snag was observed in launch vehicle system at T-56 minute. As a measure of abundant precaution, Chandrayaan-2 launch has been called off for today," the Isro PRO said.
He added: "A revised launch date will be announced later."
ISRO: A technical snag was observed in launch vehicle system at T-56 minute. As a measure of abundant precaution, #Chandrayaan2 launch has been called off for today. Revised launch date will be announced later. pic.twitter.com/ev5FxB8WKw
In a statement, the Isro also said that it was not possible to carry out the launch within the launch window. "It is not possible to make the launch within the launch window. Next launch schedule will be announced later," Guruprasad said.
India's second lunar spacecraft was to be launched onboard a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk-III from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh at 2:51 am.
The lift-off of the three-component spacecraft weighed 3,850 kg and comprised an orbiter, the lander and the rover.
When launched, Chandrayaan-2 will be the first Indian expedition to attempt a soft landing on the lunar surface. This mission will make India the fourth country after the US, Russia and China to carry out a soft landing on the Moon.
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