Written by Naina Mahajan, a grade 6 student.

This year, we commemorate the 2^nd year of Chandrayaan-2’s lunar orbit since it was launched on 22^nd July 2019.

First off, you should know about Chandrayaan, a mission launched on 22^nd October 2008. It was India’s first mission to the Moon, and it made a groundbreaking discovery of discovering water molecules on the Moon’s surface.

Also Read: What Was the Chandrayaan-2 Mission?

ISRO (The Indian Space Research Organisation) then decided to launch another mission to the Moon: Chandrayaan-2. They decided to launch it on 14^th July 2019, but due to some technical glitches, they had to postpone the launch to 22^nd July 2019.

The launch was from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre’s Second LaunchPad. It was launched on GSLV Mk-III, which is India’s most powerful rocket launcher so far. Sadly, the rocket’s onboard control system glitched, and the lander-cum-rover, Vikram, crashed. One can never forget how the chief of ISRO, Kailasavadivoo Sivan, having an emotional breakdown after meeting the Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi. Anyone would have, considering the time, effort, and immense planning that went into Chandrayaan-2. However, the orbiter remained intact and continues to orbit the Moon. Hard work always pays off and in this case, it has brought immense pride to our country and all the citizens.

Chandrayaan-2 recently finished two years in the Moon’s orbit and is still delivering important information and observations to India. It has completed over 9,000 orbits around the Moon and counting.

Also Read:

ISRO’s Space Programmes for 2023
Chandrayaan-3: How is India Exploring the Moon?

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