Chandrayan I: Now in orbit
Jayesh Limaye, Oct 23, 2008 1027 hrs IST
Now in a geostationary orbit, the Chandrayan is orbiting the earth, hovering at an altitude of 3,87,000 km.
India resumed its space program in a big way on Wednesday with the launch of the Chandrayan I moon mission. The liftoff was perfect and India's first spacecraft to the moon entered its planned orbit early Wednesday, making India a coveted member of the select group of six -US, former Soviet Union, European Space Agency, China and Japan, who have already sent spacecrafts to the moon.
G. Madhavan Nair, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Agency (ISRO), speaking just minutes after the launch from the spaceport, described that this moment was "historic. India has started its journey to the moon. The first leg has gone perfectly. The spacecraft has been launched into orbit."
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV C11, which is 44 meter tall and weighs 316 tonnes, had a perfect liftoff and has achieved the first mission objective of placing the Chandrayan into the planned orbit around the earth within just 18 minutes.
There was a heavy downpour around the spaceport since the past four days, but that didn't affect the launch in any way. Nair said "We've been fighting the odds for the last four days. But the weather gods relented Tuesday evening and the launch took place in a clear morning sky."
Now in a geostationary orbit, the Chandrayan is orbiting the earth, hovering at an altitude of 3,87,000 km. It will remain there until November 8, when the it will be in a position of apogee to the moon (i.e. nearest distance, so less fuel will be required to reach the moon) and at that point, the liquid apogee motor (LAM) onboard will be fired to take it to a lunar orbit. Once near the moon, its speed will be reduced to allow the lunar gravity to capture and place it in an elliptical lunar orbit.
After this, the Chandrayan will drop its Moon Impact Probe (MIP) to the moon's soil at the earliest possible opportunity. The MIP will carry the Indian tricolor flag along with the many scientific instruments. After landing, the cameras and other instruments onboard the MIP will be activated.
Chandrayan will remain in lunar orbit for two years and will carry eleven experimental payloads of which five are Indian, while three are from the European Space Agency (ESA), two are from the US and one from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
The PSLV C1 weighed 22 tonnes more than earlier PSLV models and this is attributed mostly to its six strap-on motors, which were 3.5 meters bigger at 13.5 meters, and the amount of solid propellant in the rocket was 12 tonnes as against the usual 9 tonnes.
Project director George Koshy said, "The vehicle structure was altered to have bigger strap-on motors. The rocket is also padded up with additional thermal insulation."
USER COMMENTS
I am very proud of being an Indian because we also could get a place in the map of satelite countries
by Jaidas Puthan V, Kannur, on Dec 15, 2008 04:00 PM, Report abuse Reply
it a great oppotunity for india to prove us to all world. we are proud of that all who involve in this projects.
by yuti sudesh pat, thane, on Dec 09, 2008 08:01 PM, Report abuse Reply
its very important that for india to develop scienctific research
by kurnool, kurnool, on Dec 03, 2008 07:32 PM, Report abuse Reply
u hv done a great job man... hats off 2 d team WE D STANES XIA3 LIKE UR JOB
by BILLA, COONOOR, on Dec 03, 2008 07:30 PM, Report abuse Reply
by jithin, th8iruvalla, on Nov 27, 2008 01:39 PM, Report abuse Reply
indian endru sollada.............. thalai nimirnthu nillada................................
by Baskaran, Dubai, on Nov 24, 2008 06:29 AM, Report abuse Reply
I am proud of an Indian and very proud of our greatest scientists.
by Suresh R. Nair, Ahmedabad, on Nov 22, 2008 04:29 PM, Report abuse Reply
Now we need to research on how to make a good Indian Computter, Digital camera, Printer, Scanner, Photostat, Mobile phone..... Its a shame we still depend on foreign countries For Coffee dispenser to Blank CDs Lets remember what Nehru had told on our independence "A new star rises, the star of freedom in the East, a new hope comes into being, a vision long cherished materializes. May the star never set and that hope never be betrayed!"
by Rakesh, Calicut, on Nov 22, 2008 08:13 AM, Report abuse Reply
Now we need to research on how to make a good Indian Computter, Digital camera, Printer, Scanner, Photostat, Mobile phone..... Its a shame we still depend on foreign countries For Coffee dispenser to Blank CDs Lets remember what Nehru had told on our independence "A new star rises, the star of freedom in the East, a new hope comes into being, a vision long cherished materializes. May the star never set and that hope never be betrayed!"
by Rakesh, Calicut, on Nov 22, 2008 08:09 AM, Report abuse Reply
I am proud 2 b an ......INDIAN.........
by don davis, trichur, on Nov 21, 2008 10:43 PM, Report abuse Reply
i am proud 2 b an ......"""""INDIAN"""""".....
by don davis, trichur, on Nov 21, 2008 10:40 PM, Report abuse Reply
its a great work and we all proud to be a part of this great country.
by rahul sharma, ujjain, on Nov 21, 2008 03:48 PM, Report abuse Reply
for indians this is unforgettable one
by shabbeer ahmed, vellore, on Nov 21, 2008 03:06 PM, Report abuse Reply
It's real a great work of the India it's the drop of tallent ina ocean called india
by Naga, vijayawada, on Nov 20, 2008 08:06 PM, Report abuse Reply
i wnt to knw dat coming plan of chandryaan................. Wht application of this????????/
by megha m.Daga, Dehradun, on Nov 20, 2008 07:16 PM, Report abuse Reply
how chgandrayaan reach to lunar eclipse , tell me it's procedure......... how the MIP is throw to the moon?????
by deepak, ambala, on Nov 20, 2008 12:44 PM, Report abuse Reply
its simple man.. initially they built the sattelite.. then since it was diwali time.. they attached those diwali rockets to it. Since it was a bit heavy.. they attached a few extra.. and then dats it... they lit em all at once.. n there it was .. on the moon in a few days.
by Bart, Springfield, on Nov 20, 2008 12:56 PM, Report abuse
sir please, request to my question. what is the function of chandarayan one please inform the my email address one more question pelase working prinicple of space centre
by raja, madurai, on Nov 08, 2008 03:05 PM, Report abuse Reply
RAJA SEARCH AND MAKE IDEA ABT CHANDRAYAN
by shikha RAMESH, KANNUR, on Nov 20, 2008 10:07 AM, Report abuse
The launch of chandrayaan is a waste as America has also launched such a programme. The same amount of money could have been used for the development of the poor and affected. However the information about moon is precious to a few scientists but is it beneficial for the common man. And now India is in such a conditon that iy cannot think of name and fame when inflltion is rising at a rapid rate. And may God not do that but if it blasts mid-way so who will make up for the loss? So do you not think that it is a waste? Can anyone answer my questions?
by Sheetal Bhatta, Cuttack, on Oct 26, 2008 09:45 AM, Report abuse Reply
Mrs.Sheetal Bhatta, its not a waste launch.. first answer to this question Sheetal Do you think, if a poor student with his intelligence and courage scores good marks in GRE and continues his studies in U.S, is a beneficial foundation for his future??
by Baranitharan, Chennai, on Oct 27, 2008 02:10 AM, Report abuse
It is said "to achieve something you need to loose something". Why do you think by stopping Chandrayan you would have made india richer or eliminate the poverty? If so ....what was happening so far before launch? Instead think of motivating, keeping abrest in technology, self-esteem (India"s) , self-image (India's), great INDIA ONE AMONG SIX COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD !!. Common man too gets benefit of this ofcourse indirectly. All you need to do is agriculture only according to you? Why our children should go to school, college and takeup science at all? THINK - Reconciliation is a must in all domains of life. Prof. E S Prakash and E P Aniketh, Davangere
by Prof. E S Praka, Davangere, on Oct 27, 2008 08:08 AM, Report abuse
You are wrong Sheetal. India is gaining with this mission. It is not a question of fame or name. It is a movement. Kindly look at the instruments it is carrying.Three scientific instruments from the European Space Agency (ESA), two from the US and one from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. What does it mean. Do you think india has placed these in our PSLV free of cost. Do you know how much money USA and European countries take to launch other satellites of other countries. Do you know how much money india has paid to launch our INSATs.If you don't have an idea I tell you it is in the range of 1000 crores. India has just started this commercial satellite launching business. Just imagine how much money India shall make if it launches a satellite a month for others. I think this money shall be more than enough to uplift our poor people.l
by santanu, delhi, on Oct 29, 2008 10:28 AM, Report abuse
sheetal how this project make bad to us.like this how much money r waisting by our gvmnt.by this project we can find out any He content in moon so v can reduce our enrgy crice
by shikha RAMESH, KANNUR, on Nov 20, 2008 10:04 AM, Report abuse
Anathor Feather in the Cap....Keep it up....VandeMataram.....Jai Hind
by Praveen g., Mumbai, on Nov 11, 2008 05:12 PM, Report abuse Reply
by shikha RAMESH, KANNUR, on Nov 20, 2008 09:56 AM, Report abuse
congrats 4 each and every one who involvd such a great task.waiting wit prayers 4 next sucess.
by shikha RAMESH, KANNUR, on Nov 20, 2008 09:51 AM, Report abuse Reply
we proud of all ISRO indian to succes the record.......
by buy san, coimbatore, on Nov 18, 2008 05:37 PM, Report abuse Reply
This historic event has made every Indian proud!!!
by Amruta Chindark, Mumbai, on Nov 17, 2008 02:14 PM, Report abuse Reply
i am not gettimg words even to say something. i am being thrilled. . you made my dream true..................
by niki, kerala, on Nov 15, 2008 12:35 PM, Report abuse Reply
we are proud of you all SCIENCE MAKERS OF INDIA... SCIENTISTS,ENGINEERS ,AND TECH.STAFF, this is agreat achivement.
by kt.madhusoodana, shuquiq,gizan, KSA, on Nov 15, 2008 12:05 AM, Report abuse Reply
OH INDIA YOU DID IT. THE MOST REMARKABLE MOMENT AFTER INDEPENDENCE
by ROY MATHEWS, KOTTAYAM,KERALA, on Nov 14, 2008 10:58 PM, Report abuse Reply
that was a lgreat achievement for india.... congrats to the ISRO team...they have really made indians proud..... good work! keep it on.......
by Paurali Rahevar, Nagpur, on Nov 14, 2008 12:35 PM, Report abuse Reply
its a wonderful project."chak de india"
by vasu, vijayawada, on Nov 13, 2008 04:50 PM, Report abuse Reply
by ashraf, calicut, on Nov 12, 2008 11:53 PM, Report abuse Reply
It is a great achievement to our country when the Tricolor flag hoisted in the moon in a few days. We all pray god to give good energy, thoughts for the successful mission.
by Sankar Balaji, chennai, on Nov 12, 2008 10:02 AM, Report abuse Reply
it`s a great achievement to our country. it proves our intelligence in every field
by sowdi, narasannapeta, on Oct 26, 2008 09:21 AM, Report abuse Reply
by sumit rana, karnal[hry.], on Nov 11, 2008 03:49 PM, Report abuse
i sir iam sajjad from india i work in kuwait last 9y now i like to usa plz help me sir thx
by sajjad, kadapa (a.p) india, on Nov 08, 2008 12:13 AM, Report abuse Reply
it is great.........all indidians must be proud to learn this news. look forward dont pull our country back by sectarian, communal, plitical violances. Dont support any parties, leraders who promote these thoughts for their financial benefits.
by Saleem, Calicut, on Nov 07, 2008 12:46 AM, Report abuse Reply
we are appriciating our first step in this field, we are proud ourself to say we are an Indian.
by MUHAMMED KUMAR , MANAMA,BAHRAIN, on Nov 04, 2008 10:37 PM, Report abuse Reply
by aryan, mumbai, on Nov 04, 2008 07:55 PM, Report abuse Reply
Good information to read and gather knowledge
by Dr G S Nataraja, Nagpur, on Nov 04, 2008 04:40 PM, Report abuse Reply
Excellet job done by our Indian Scientists!!! Indians brains are very great as already confirmed by Mr.Billgates of Microsoft Company.
by Vallinayakam.A, Trupur, on Nov 04, 2008 05:57 AM, Report abuse Reply
Indian SCIENTISTS had made this dream come true. i am proud to be an Indian & and all the best for the future of chandrayaan 1.
by barjinder singh, bhopal, on Oct 28, 2008 09:17 PM, Report abuse Reply
Great job ISRO team u made us proud to be Indian.I wish more coverage everyday on the mission.All the best to ISRO team.
by KVSN Murthy, Secubndeerabd, on Oct 30, 2008 09:43 PM, Report abuse
hands oofff to our ISRO scientists all the best for chandrayan2
by mariselvam, madurai, on Oct 30, 2008 12:06 PM, Report abuse Reply
Our reserch on moon is wonderful pl send continus news about the mission journy.
by L.Maria Wences , Coimbatore, on Oct 29, 2008 09:58 PM, Report abuse Reply
Very Wonderful achivement, we can proude to be an indian. Please send daily news about this travel
by L.Maria Wences , Coimbatore, on Oct 29, 2008 09:51 PM, Report abuse Reply
by chenthamaraksha, kozhikode, on Oct 29, 2008 11:23 AM, Report abuse Reply
I AM PROUD OF OUR SCIENTISTS. GOD BLESS THEM
by ALI BARY, KOLLAM, on Oct 28, 2008 04:21 PM, Report abuse Reply
Along with the pride of being and INDIAN, all the prayers for CHANDRAYAN to suceed... Vande Matharam...
by Dhanya M Rajan, Ernakulam, on Oct 28, 2008 12:37 PM, Report abuse Reply
I am proud of my India...and proud of our well efficient Scientists.
by Rajesh Somaraj, Mavelikara, on Oct 28, 2008 09:57 AM, Report abuse Reply
Go.od job ISRO, I am proud of being an Indian
by Sanju, O, on Oct 28, 2008 08:36 AM, Report abuse Reply
INDIA was impoverished by the british centuries back,but could excel its old "masters" in joining the small group of lunar explores!!! Kudos to Dr Madhavan Nair and his ISRO team!!!
by CKParameswaran,, Kochi, on Oct 27, 2008 05:18 PM, Report abuse Reply
proudly saying "i am an INDIAN".... JINEESH. CALICUT
by Calicut, Calicut, on Oct 27, 2008 10:05 AM, Report abuse Reply
It is proud moment for all Indians. Congratulations to all who are behind this great achievement. I have been watching from New York and I am feeling very happy to see the Chandrayan progressively reaching out to moon. I salute to each and every one behind thsi great effort. Hope to see more to follow and eager to see Chandrayan on moon... Seshu
by Seshu Ganugapat, New York, on Oct 27, 2008 09:30 AM, Report abuse Reply
Apni zameen to sambhali nahi....chand pe chale...
by vishal, pune, on Oct 27, 2008 08:58 AM, Report abuse Reply
Hats off to all GREAT BRAINS OF INDIA behind CHANDRAYAN and to all the Administrators, policy makers of INDIA.
by Prof. E S Praka, Davangere, on Oct 27, 2008 08:20 AM, Report abuse Reply
Congratulations for this great achievement. It is a proud moment for all indians.
by Prasanth M, Kottayam, on Oct 27, 2008 07:39 AM, Report abuse Reply
I am too proud of its work.My daughter is too intersted to study about this type of curies information.Still we have to go too far.Reserch and developments must be there.
by Mohanan, Ottapalam, on Oct 27, 2008 02:27 AM, Report abuse Reply
Congratulation for the great achievement
by E R Babu, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, on Oct 26, 2008 08:45 PM, Report abuse Reply
GREAT ACHIEVEMENT.CONGRATS TO ALL OUR SCIENTISTS INCLUDING MY BATCH MATES WHO ARE IN ISRO/VSSC . WE ARE PROUD OF U. Best wishes to all ur future programmes.
by P V Hari, Gaborone,Botswana, on Oct 26, 2008 04:58 PM, Report abuse Reply
it`s a great achievement to our country. it proves our intelligence in every field
by sowdi, narasannapeta, on Oct 26, 2008 09:21 AM, Report abuse Reply
it`s a great achievement to our country. it proves our intelligence in every field
by sowdi, narasannapeta, on Oct 26, 2008 09:21 AM, Report abuse Reply
it`s a great achievement to our country. it proves our intelligence in every field
by sowdi, narasannapeta, on Oct 26, 2008 09:21 AM, Report abuse Reply
it`s a great achievement to our country. it proves our intelligence in every field
by sowdi, narasannapeta, on Oct 26, 2008 09:21 AM, Report abuse Reply
Can any one explain why there is a long gap between luna 2 (49 yrs) and our Chandrayan I???
by Baranitharan, Chennai, on Oct 25, 2008 02:03 AM, Report abuse Reply
Mr. Baranitharan, It is not beyond imaginary. The budget allocation and parallel problems like poverty and immediate requirements to look after by the Government such as defence, terrorism, food problem etc., Moreover, after getting confidence in setallites launching technology it is natural to look into further developmental activities. Today we are at commanding position in Information technology. We should be proud for the quick achivement of this stage within 61 years after independence.
by C.Durga Prasad, Hyderabad, on Oct 26, 2008 06:50 AM, Report abuse
Proud of the achiement. Well written article which gives lot of information on the mission.
by Robin Bhatnagar, Pune, on Oct 26, 2008 06:03 AM, Report abuse Reply
"Hearty cograts 4 the greatest achievement".All the best 4 CHANDRAYAN2 mission
by Ancy Paul, thrissur, on Oct 26, 2008 05:53 AM, Report abuse Reply
Congrats ISRO. The successful launch of Chadryan is Diwali Gift to all Indians.
by S. Ramalakshman, Chennai, on Oct 25, 2008 05:34 PM, Report abuse Reply
by P.C.Cherian, Muscat, on Oct 25, 2008 04:47 PM, Report abuse Reply
Congrats to the ISRO team , for this great feat . As for the user comments , yes they have done us (India) proud . but we can truly be proud when we wipe poverty off , and every indian is able to live in his own home with dignity .
by raj dawson, chennai, on Oct 25, 2008 02:09 PM, Report abuse Reply
Well done ISRO you people make india proud...Wish you all the best for your next journey with human.......Cheer up......
by Deepjyoti Barma, Guwahati, on Oct 25, 2008 12:44 PM, Report abuse Reply
by raghu, bellary, on Oct 25, 2008 10:37 AM, Report abuse Reply
A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT. ALL THE EYES OF THE GLOBE ARE ON INDIA.INDIA CAN CONQUER ALL FIELDS AND LEAD THE WORLD ON ALL COUNTS.
by S.P.BABARAJ, CHENNAI, on Oct 25, 2008 10:58 AM, Report abuse
now, we have show the world indians can do..... i am proud to be indian...... jai hind
by A.Arunprakash, ariyalur,tamilnadu., on Oct 24, 2008 10:51 PM, Report abuse Reply
as soon as india IInd yan go onmoon
by vipin, noida, on Oct 23, 2008 11:25 AM, Report abuse Reply
My heartiest congratulations to the ISRO team. I 'm sure all of us are eager to know about the experiments that ISRO will be conducting on the moon's surface. Wish ISRO let us know about it. For the money that we are spending for this mission, I'm hope the purpose of experimenting would be to derive direct benefits to the society at large and not jst confined to more knowledge abt the moon
by Aravinda Lochan, chennai, on Oct 24, 2008 07:36 PM, Report abuse
we must all be proud to be an Indian..............
by s.dinesh,stanes, COONOOR, on Oct 24, 2008 07:13 PM, Report abuse Reply
by V.V.MATHEW, TIRUVALLA, on Oct 24, 2008 06:48 PM, Report abuse Reply
INDIANS CAN DO MUCH MORE WONDERS.
by V.V.MATHEW, TIRUVALLA, on Oct 24, 2008 06:47 PM, Report abuse Reply
Fantastic. MERA BHARATH MAHAN !
by V.V.MATHEW, TIRUVALLA, on Oct 24, 2008 06:44 PM, Report abuse Reply
first i wishes to scientsts to made a india name in the list of sending the rockets.....................all the best for next success
by harsha, bangalore, on Oct 24, 2008 05:14 PM, Report abuse Reply
Nice ... excellent... i am proud to be an INDIAN .... Bandeymatarm.... JAI HIND .. JAI BHARAT...
by kaushik, kolkata, on Oct 24, 2008 04:33 PM, Report abuse Reply
i am a pride of our achievement, thankyou for all space oriented scientist
by M.SUNDARA MOORT, TUTUCORIN, on Oct 24, 2008 04:19 PM, Report abuse Reply
we are heartly congratulation to all of scientist of ISRO for successful launching the chandrayan-1.
by kanchangire R B, nanded (maharashtra), on Oct 23, 2008 07:17 PM, Report abuse Reply
hrudyamaya abhinandanangal to the whole group of scientics in your successful mission
by g.jayaprakash, cochin, on Oct 23, 2008 06:14 PM, Report abuse Reply
Excellent job done by our Indian scientists!! Bravo to the CHANDRAYAAN - I team!!!
by A. Ravi Kumar V, Kurnool, on Oct 23, 2008 06:13 PM, Report abuse Reply
India has achieved a major milestone with this launch. It has shown the world of what we are capable of. But it would be also great if it solved problems of the poor like spending more money on education, having a good food distribution system and work for uplift of the poor. Perhaps if India can find a better planet to live in future and migrate most of its large population there for better opportunities, all its problems will be solved. But to do that we need unity and a humanitarian outlook to all.
by Jay Kool, Pune, on Oct 23, 2008 04:03 PM, Report abuse Reply
Hatts off to the Great "ISRO TEAMS " behind the Chandrayan -1!!!!
by Janaki, TVM, on Oct 23, 2008 12:03 PM, Report abuse Reply
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