Chandrayaan 2 began its journey on July 22 from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
Chandrayaan 2, India's second attempt to land on the moon's surface, is the most complex mission ever undertaken by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). With this lunar exploration mission, India looks to create history reaching closest to the moon's south pole and unravel its mysteries. The lunar spacecraft, with an orbiter, lander Vikram and rover Pragyan, will take India's flag on the moon's surface.
Chandrayaan 2 moon landing simplified
Chandrayaan 2 began its journey on board the Geo-Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (GSLV MK-3) or the Baahubali rocket on July 22 from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
After spending a few weeks in the Earth's orbit, it was taken into the moon's orbit on August 20 after a performing a tricky Lunar Orbit Insertion (LOI) manoeuvre.
The spacecraft then entered its final orbit, passing over the lunar pole at a distance of about 100 km from the moon's surface.
The lander then separated with the orbiter and lowered to enter into a 100 km X 30 km orbit around the moon.
In this process, the orbiter continues to study the moon while keeping in touch with the Vikram lander.
The lander then starts its descent onto the lunar surface making the next 15 minutes most terrifying moments for the space scientists at ISRO.
Through programmed rough braking and fine braking manoeuvres, the lander would then come within touching distance of the moon's surface.
After zeroing in on the best landing spot, the lander will soft land near the south pole of the moon.
Few hours after the lunar dust settles down, the ramp would open displaying India's flag on the moon's surface.
Later in a gentle operation, the Pragyan rover, with the Ashoka Chakra and the ISRO logos etched on its rear wheels, would be rolled out onto the lunar surface to carry out experiments.
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