Chandrayaan - indian mission to moon

What experiments will you put on Chandrayaan 2?

2010-09-07T23:49:00.001+05:30

ISRO said that it would undertake "extremely good" experiments and try out new technologies. (via Hindustan times)

Weight limitation is overall boundary within which we have to work", Prof U R Rao, who chaired the national committee of experts drawn from ISRO centres, academic institutions and R&D laboratories which finalised the payloads to be flown on board Chandrayaan-2 (orbiter and rover), told PTI.

Well as ISRO deliberate their "extremely good" experiments, I ask you, the would be aerospace engineers of India, to fire up your imagination engine and tell us what experiments will you put on Chandrayaan 2?

My heartiest congratulations to ISRO

2008-10-22T20:20:00.000+05:30

I express my heartiest congratulations to all the scientists of ISRO and their associated institutes for beginning the journey of Chandrayaan-1 so successfully and with such precision. We are really proud of you ,the whole nation is proud of you guys.

52-hour countdown for Chandrayaan-1 has began YAY!!!

2008-10-20T06:37:00.001+05:30

The 52-hour countdown for Chandrayaan-1 - India's first unmanned moon mission – has began at Sriharikota spaceport early on Monday for Wednesday's historic launch.

The integrated launch vehicle has already been moved into the second launch pad (umbilical tower) and launch rehearsals are underway, sources in India Space Research Organisation at Bangalore said.

"All the preparatory work is going as usual and the formal countdown would begin tomorrow morning about 0400 hrs," Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) Associate Director Dr M Y S Prasad told PTI at Chennai.

"All the work including the checking of payloads went satisfactorily. The spacecraft launch would take place as per the schedule," he said.

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A quick FAQ of Chandrayaan Mission

2008-10-19T14:07:00.001+05:30

Chandrayaan is Scheduled to launch on October 22nd if weather God permits. Here in this post I am publishing some quick facts of the mission that will help you understand the mission better.

It will answer some quick questions that a kid might have for the mission. Here's wishing ISRO a grand success!

what do you think of this mission? How will it help India? what will its impact. Do tell me in your comments!!

What Is Chandrayaan-1?

Source: ISRO

Chandrayaan-1 is a scientific investigation – by spacecraft – of the Moon.The name Chandrayaan means 'Chandra- Moon , Yaan-vehicle', –in Indian languages (Sanskrit and Hindi) , – the lunar spacecraft. Chandrayaan-1 is the first Indian planetary science and exploration mission.

ISRO’s official chandrayaan mission site last updated in January 2007

2008-10-11T19:53:00.002+05:30

Well the world is eagerly waiting for the chandrayaan mission launch but it seems everyone in ISRO is busy preparing for the launch of chandrayaan on October 22nd 2008.

See the screenshot of the ISRO’s official chandrayaan site its shows its last updated on January 16 2007!!! Yes 2007 !!!!

Hope it will be updated soon!!!

Wishing ISRO a grand success in this particular mission!!!!

Will India’s chandrayaan-1 probe will successfully send data from lunar orbit?

2008-10-11T19:30:00.001+05:30

By now everyone knows Chandrayaan-1, Indian's first spacecraft to get go to moon is about to launch on October 22nd 2008!! but a site called hubdub.com is running an ~~interesting~~ silly prediction that aims to answer the question ?

“Will India’s chandrayaan-1 probe will successfully send data from lunar orbit?”

Will India's Chandrayaan-1 probe successfully send data from lunar orbit?

The flash widget above shows the real-time data of the prediction.

I am 100% sure it will be a successful mission. India has done it all alone and I know they will fulfill all mission requirements and objectives.

What do you say?

Related : check out videos of chandrayaan mission and cool wallpapers of chandrayaan

Chandrayaan-1 to fly to moon on October 22nd !!

2008-10-09T07:02:00.001+05:30

India's maiden moon mission, Chandrayaan-1, is scheduled to take off from Sriharikota at 6.20 am on October 22, ISRO officials said on Monday.
"We are definitely targeting October 22. But if the weather becomes unfavorable, we will postpone the launch to October 23. The window of opportunity will remain open till October 26.We are keeping our fingers crossed and praying that the weather gods will be on our side on October 22," an official said.

now that you have seen so many videos and other stuff about the chandrayaan mission. Read this small article to understand the mission better.

Chandrayaan begins its journey to moon from bangalore

2008-10-02T17:31:00.000+05:30

Economic times reports that a convoy of eight vehicles, including a trailer carrying the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, will depart from the ISRO Satellite Centre on Airport Road early on Thursday and arrive at Sriharikota on Friday evening. The convoy will proceed to the Sriharikota launch centre via Kolar, Mulbagal, Palamnair, Gadanki and Kalahasthi.

check this ibnlive video regarding chandrayaan!

Look how the real chandrayaan looks like?

2008-09-19T09:11:00.003+05:30

Chandrayaan, India's historic moon mission, will be launched between October 22 and October 26. Director of the Indian Space Research Organisation's Satellite Centre Dr T K Alex and Project Director of the Chandrayaan-I mission Dr Anna Durai informed media persons at Bengaluru on Thursday that the exact date for the launch has not been fixed, but the window period is between October 22 and 26.

Well you have seen how chandrayaan will look like in CAD models. here's how it looks now.

NSG waiver will help chandrayaan and other space missions

2008-09-09T06:53:00.001+05:30

Calling the NSG waiver a big achievement for the country, ISRO Chairman G Madhavan Nair today said it will help the Indian space department access latest space technologies from developed nation. "It is a major achievement for India. We will have a better opportunity to interact with other developed nations on sharing certain space technologies," Nair told reporters on the sidelines of a function at SRM University here.

He said the signing of the 123 Agreement with the US will in a way help the ISRO work closely with the NASA.

On the "Chandrayaan-I" (moon) mission, Nair said all the technical parameters for the launch were progressing well and the launch "is expected by this October end".

He said the country's space department has world-class technologies to provide valuable inputs to tackle natural disasters.

"We have been monitoring the floods in Bihar. The National Remote Sensing Centre in Hyderabad has been receiving updates from a Canadian radar imaging satellite. We are providing satellite images of the inundated areas to the Army for rescue operations," he added.

Earlier, Nair was conferred a honorary Doctorate of Science by the SRM University for his outstanding contribution to the Indian Space Programme. PTI

ISRO hoping to launch 100 nano sats

2008-09-03T22:17:00.004+05:30

Buoyed by its success in placing eight nanosatellites in prescribed orbits, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is hoping to stage another feat by launching 100 nano-sats at one go. Scientists at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, are preparing elaborate drawings to make this event happen some two years from now.

The ISRO has already intimated universities world wide about the project and has extended an open invite to any varsity to take part in the historic venture. Within the country, the IITs in Kanpur and Mumbai were among the first to express interest along with ISRO’s Indian Institute of Space Science at Thiruvananthapuram. The Madurai Kamaraj University is already in the process of fabricating its satellite.

Chandrayaan update is that it might launch in Mid October.

Will chandrayaan make it to the Aero show 2009

2008-08-17T23:45:00.001+05:30

As this news reports Aero show 2009 begins on the feb 2009 in Bangalore. Its still 6 months from now. But i was wondering if by then chandrayaan will make it its maiden flight. Its been 3 delays for the mission, and now mid October is the launch date. Hope this one is not delayed further. Well if it meets that time, it will surely be at the aero show 2009.

Deep Space Network for chandrayaan

2008-08-16T17:27:00.004+05:30

At the nondescript village Byalalu, 40 km off Bangalore, which smacks of poverty and underdevelopment, is this Rs 100 crore Deep Space Network (DSN) set up by the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network to track the country's first unmanned spacecraft for the Moon mission project, Chandrayaan-1.

Chandrayaan being scheduled for October (the September schedule has been postponed), the countdown has already begun for DSN. The station is the back-end support system and spacecraft signal monitoring unit set up on a 135-acre plot.

Get chandrayaan on your desktop

The DSN gains importance, more so, after the spacecraft crosses 1 lakh km-distance from Earth as other ISRO stations can monitor only up to this distance. The spacecraft, once launched, takes 300 hours to orbit the Moon and has a lifespan of about two years.

The DSN has the indigenous 32-metre dia dish antenna, a joint venture of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and the Electronics Corporation of India Limited which is the biggest so far in India. Another small antenna - 18 mtr dia - is a back-up for the big dish. Both the antennae will play a key role in Chandrayaan-1 and also Chandrayaan-2, the second Indian Moon mission, slated for a launch after about four years.
Source : times of india

Launch of Chandrayaan will be an important milestone - PM

2008-08-15T10:14:00.002+05:30

India hopes to launch its maiden mission to the moon -- Chandrayaan-I -- this year, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said in his independence day speech.

"This year we hope to send an Indian spacecraft, Chandrayaan, to the moon," Singh said in his Independence Day address to the nation from the rampart of the majestic Red Fort.

Singh said the launch of Chandrayaan will be an important milestone in the development of the country's space programme.

The unmanned mission, which will orbit the moon for two years, is expected to be launched in October by indigenously developed Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Srihariko

What's the connection between IIT kanpur and Chandrayaan?

2008-08-12T10:06:00.003+05:30

Business standard reports how the kanpur IIT is emerging as the top industrial consultant for the indian industry. Aerospace figures a major group in all this activities. It is choicest consultants for many prestigious projects in government and private sectors.

So what is the connection of IIT-K with chnadrayaan? The professors of IIT kanpur are providing advice and assistance to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to realise the proposed Indian lunar mission, ‘Chandrayaan’.

Also one of the instrument,LLRI is a laser ranging instrument on board of chandrayaan-1 is coming from IIT kanpur. As Chandrayaan will orbit the moon at an altitude of around 100 km, LLRI transmits laser pulses of nano-second length towards the Moon surface at a frequency of 10 Hz. By measuring the co-ordinates of laser pulses on the Moon surface the 3D model of Moon can be produced. With 0.5mrad half divergence angle the laser pulse will have a footprint of 100m diameter on the surface of Moon from an altitude of 100km.

And also ISRO, Indian Space Research Organisation, is planning to send a robot for its mission to moon. It is probably going to be made by students and profs of IIT-Kanpur The two-legged robot, fitted with sophisticated sensors and high-resolution cameras, is capable of recording information and images using laser beams. It can also detect the distance of a hindrance, enter a small crater, bring surface samples and return high resolution images to the lunar vehicle. It balances cost and sophistication; basic functionality for only $50,000.

source

Chandrayaan Wallpapers for your Desktop.

2008-08-11T02:37:00.003+05:30

As mentioned in this previous post, here's other bunch of chandrayaan wallpapers that you can bring to your desktop.

check out the videos of chandrayaan here

Milestones and Acheivements of Indian Space Programme

2008-08-09T03:00:00.001+05:30

With chandrayaan launch stated to happen in mid-October, let us have look at the major milestones of Indian space program, how it began and where is it going?

Space programme in India started in the 1960’s with the launching of small sounding rockets to investigate the ionosphere over the magnetic equator that passes over Thumba near Thiruvananthapuram.

INSAT System is the largest domestic communication satellite system in the Asia Pacific region with eleven satellites in operation carrying a total of 210 transponders for communication and broadcast services including Direct-To-Home (DTH) service besides meteorological instruments for providing meteorological services.

EDUSAT, launched in September 2004, is the first thematic satellite dedicated exclusively for educational services. EDUSAT is providing a wide range of educational delivery modes like one-way TV broadcast, interactive TV, video conferencing, computer conferencing, web-based instructions, etc. About 46 networks that utilise EDUSAT covering 23 states have been setup across the country

With eight satellites in operation, Indian remote Sensing Satellite System (IRS) is the largest civilian remote sensing satellite constellation in the world providing imageries in a variety of spatial resolutions and spectral bands.

ISRO has achieved a significant milestone through the successful test of indigenously developed Cryogenic Stage, to be employed as the upper stage of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). The test was conducted for its full flight duration of 720 seconds on November 15, 2007 at Liquid Propulsion test facility at Mahendragiri, in Tamil Nadu. With this test, the indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage has been fully qualified on the ground.

Launch of PSLV-C9 is a significant milestone for the country, as it has again proved the reliability and versatility of PSLV and its ability to put satellites in different types of orbits, thus proving its commercial potential as well.

Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F04) was launched successfully on September 2, 2007 carrying INSAT-4CR into the desired orbit. The successful launch of GSLV-F04 demonstrated the operational reliability of GSLV as well as reiterating the end-to-end capability of ISRO to not only build state-of-the-art communication satellites, but also to launch them using the indigenously designed and built launch vehicle.

via

Chandrayaan mission an opportunity to become international players

2008-08-08T09:29:00.000+05:30

The 'Chandrayaan mission' will give Indian scientists an opportunity to become international players in space expedition, giving them an equal footing with their global partners, a top space scientist has said.

"We must go to the moon and this is important because it gives an opportunity for Indian scientists to become international players," K Kasturirangan, Rajya sabha memeber and former Chairman of Indian space Research Organisation (ISRO) said adressing students at Centre for Basic sciences (CBS) here last evening.

"We must become equal global partners just as we are in the Antarctic expeditions," he said.

Via

The launch of Chandrayaan will be delayed past September 18

2008-08-07T21:13:00.004+05:30

The launch of Chandrayaan, India’s moon mission project, will be delayed past the scheduled date of September 18 to mid-October, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman G. Madhavan Nair said in CHENNAI on Wednesday.

He said that the systems had already been fully integrated and that thermo-vacuum tests would be conducted soon. The launch would be possible about 45 to 60 days after that.

Alignments were the key to a successful launch along with climate conditions. Only about three days each month would provide favourable alignments, he said.

Source: the hindu

After CHANDRAYAAN-I what is CHANDRAYAAN-II About?

2008-07-30T22:07:00.002+05:30

After the launch of chandrayaan-1, ISRO has planned Chandrayaan-II for 2010 using GSLV, in which it will send a rover to moon, a vehicle that will wander on the surface of moon for about a month to collect scientific data and material. The design of this moon rover will be based on MIP (Moon Impact Probe) of Chandrayaan-I. IIT Kanpur is also designing a robot called SmartNav for Chandrayaan-II. The robot will walk on the surface of the moon doing experiments and collecting data. Note that no country has till today sent a two legged robot to any place outside earth!

Read more here and here

Know About the First Indian Thing That Will Touch the Moon’s Soil

2008-07-26T07:30:00.002+05:30

Do you know what is the most less talked about features of the chandrayaan mission?

We all talk about India’s giant leap that it will take after the launch of chandrayaan mission. Its will not only put Indian space program to limelight but also enhance the space prowness of Indian space program. But what is the less talked about feature of this whole chandrayaan mission.

It’s the 64-pound impactor that will be dropped from the orbiting chandrayaan spacecraft for a suicidal nosedive into the moon. The impactor as it falls towards the moon’s soil will relay video imagery, altitude information and spectral data back to Earth through the Chandrayaan mothership, which will be in a lunar orbit 100 kilometers away.

To my knowledge this will be the first Indian thing that will touch the moon’s soil!

In what way will this Moon Impact Probe be useful for future missions?
G. Madhavan Nair, Chairman, ISRO, answered this

The impactor is essentially to evaluate the lunar trajectories. When we send the spacecraft to the moon, the gravitational field will have a strong influence on its [the spacecraft's] orbit. We have some inputs available on this based on past missions. But when the spacecraft orbits the moon we will get some data on this. Using these, we will try to define a trajectory for the impactor. That will be one of our major experiments. As the impactor descends, it will take closer pictures of the lunar surface and when it impacts, it will kick up some dust. Using the mass spectrometer, we will be able to get the signature related to the composition of the material that covers the lunar surface. This is the first step towards later missions, which that will require a soft landing and a robot, experimental set-up to analyse and return the data.

Interested in seeing the animation or video of the chandrayaan mission, click here.

Buzz around Chandrayaan-1

2008-07-23T06:49:00.002+05:30

ISRO's chief spokesperson, S Satish, on Thursday at the launch of the Nehru Planetarium's new show, "Conquest of the moon and the secrets of the sun." said that as part of the public outreach programme relating to India's maiden voyage to the moon, "Chandrayaan-1," Isro plans to conduct essay and poster competitions for youngsters in different cities.

He told TOI that Isro is aiming for a launch date of September 19, 2008, for Chandrayaan. "But, the final date will be decided towards the end of this month," he said, while pointing out that the launch can be conducted till October 16, 2008.

Preparations for kicking off the Chandrayaan launch campaign at Sriharikota have been initiated and the lunar satellite is undergoing various tests at the Isro Satellite Centre. The launch campaign is slated to take off 50 days prior to the lift off.

Source : times of india

Bring chandrayaan to your desktop

2008-07-22T07:25:00.006+05:30

This are the two wallpapers of chandrayaan that i have made with my limited skills in photoshop. Hope you like it. I will be making more as and when i get time and inspiration.

Click on the image to download the wallpapers of chandrayaan.

Nehru Planetarium showing simulation of chandrayaan mission.

2008-07-17T21:52:00.005+05:30

Two months before the launch of Chandrayaan-1 mission, the Nehru Planetarium in Mumbai is planning to show a simulation video of India’s maiden mission to the moon. You can see it here.

As you all know Chandrayaan-1 is an unmanned lunar mission scheduled to be launched on September 19, 2008 by india. The main objectives of the mission is to map the moon. Read more here. Interested in seeing video's click here. And see the pictures of chandrayaan, the cube shaped spacecraft here.

Want to play the chandrayaan game?

September 19 might become biggest step in indian space program

2008-07-10T23:09:00.005+05:30

Weather you find water on moon or in mars. India is heading for the moon. And its mission is not to find water but to make an atlas of the moon. When is the launch, last report that we had is on September and some scientist who didn't wanted to be named said its on 19th of September. So here is one image that i have made for the date!!

So if all goes well this date, with the launch of chandrayaan-1 will mark the biggest step in Indian space program!! Here's wishing all ISRO scientist a grand success!!

Russia says it is ready to fly two Indians on a Soyuz spacecraft by 2011.

2008-07-06T23:11:00.000+05:30

Indian and Russian are going to revive the joint manned mission project. Rakesh sharma, India's first astronaut, rode to the SALYUT 7 space station 24 years ago and now after the chandrayaan mission in mid-september, India's indigenous manned mission will go into top gear.

Both countries have formed a joint working committee to work out details. The panel is headed by Dr P S Sastry, director of the Advanced Technology Office and Launch Vehicle Programmes of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The salient aspect of the new mission will be its flexibility about the crew.

“We won’t restrict it to just Air Force pilots. It will be a nationwide search. And cosmonauts who satisfy basic parameters will be shortlisted,” sources said.

The idea is to select 200 prospective candidates for a second level of screening after the preliminary survey. “We will prepare a list of 20 people. The best two will fly on Soyuz in three years to spend some time on the International Space Station,” sources said.

After the initial training in India, the crew will go to Russia to train with other members of the project. The revival of the joint mission gives ISRO a chance to install infrastructure needed for its own programme.

“The selection process will help us to prepare our own policy for the crew for the Indian mission. We will be able to learn and write a new text with the help of Russians who are experienced in manned missions,” sources said.

A detailed report of the Rs 10,000 crore project has been submitted to the government and the design of the space craft is complete. India plans to conduct three more experimental flights of its Space Recovery Experiment capsule to perfect re-entry techniques.

Chandrayaan

2008-06-29T06:34:00.006+05:30

When is Chandrayaan-1 launch? This is the question everyone is asking! First ISRO declared 9th april as chandrayaan launch date. Then it got delayed. Reason? To prepare the integration work. Now ISRO chief Nair, stated that chandrayaan launch will be in September. Though the date is not fixed but speculation is that it might be on September 19th!

So the whole world is waiting for chandrayaan launch! Its india's first mission to the moon. In fact its first isro mission that will take something so far from earth.
I have been following mission since the time i knew about it and here are some links that will help you understand this mission better.

Have a look at the pictures of chandrayaan. Know about the chandrayaan the spacecraft here. If you are interested in chandrayaan mission objectives click here. If you believe in seeing a video of the mission then this video of the mission will interest you.

Wondering what is the logic of india's sending chandrayaan to moon? read it here. If wondering Why go to moon? click here

But who will take chandrayaan to moon, yes PSLV, India's most successful launch vehicle. See and read about the launcher and its world record.

If all this talk ignites your interest in indian space program, then this link is for you. See the timeline of indian space program here from slv to chandrayaan.

Indian's moon mission is not only about india but it involves NASA, Europe and Russia

This post was my attempt to guide you to the relevant information you might like to read from this blog. Hope i succeeded. Do let me know in comments?

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on chandrayaan mission

2008-06-27T06:08:00.003+05:30

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former president of india said that the country’s first lunar orbital mission - Chandrayaan-1 - had a very important message for all.

“In future, we have to consider earth, moon and Mars as a single complex for the benefit of humankind. Mars may have water. We need a new habitat. Moon has got Helium (He3), an important material for generating power in enormous quantity,” Kalam said on the sidelines of an international conference on aerospace science and technologies.

As a light, non-radioactive isotope, with two protons and one neutron, Helium is a chemical element, which is widely believed to be in abundance on moon though not as much on earth.

Commending the Indian space agency for achieving self-reliance in building any type of satellite and launch vehicle, Kalam said missions to moon and Mars subsequently would have tremendous spin-offs for the country and its people.

The 525kg Chandrayaan-1 is being assembled and integrated with 11 experimental payloads for launch using an advanced version of the indigenous polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV) from Satish Dhawan space centre at Sriharikota, about 90km from Chennai

source : thaiindian

Chandrayaan launch date next month

2008-06-26T22:28:00.001+05:30

The date for launching Chandrayaan-1, India's first scientific experiment to the moon, would be announced next month,said Nair, who is also secretary to the Department of Space, said on Thursday.

"There are a lot of expectations from the mission. It is going to be a unique mission in which you will get the total mapping of the moon, which does not exist today," he told reporters on the sidelines of the International Conference on Aerospace Science and Technology, organised by the National Aerospace Laboratories.

"We are trying to look for rare elements on the surface of the moon. The information will help us further exploration," Nair said. On the date of launch, he said, "The launch date will be announced next month. "September is the earliest," he added.

ISRO chairman : Harness technological development for the benefit of mankind

2008-06-21T21:56:00.003+05:30

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman G Madhavan Nair appears to be too involved in Chandrayaan-I project.

Delivering the National Technology Day lecture at the National Geophysical Research Institute on June 20, Nair said:"Some crores of years ago, a crumble from our planet spun off. Now, in a few months, we (Indians) would be landing there to get back in touch with it again."

He exhorted the scientist community in the State to harness technological development for the benefit of mankind. He also called for the usage of local language to communicate science and technology to people at large.

Chandrayaan launch is on 19th september 2008

2008-06-20T11:58:00.002+05:30

The exact date for Chandrayaan-I launch will be decided in a month although September 19 has been tentatively fixed as the “earliest opportunity,” Indian Space Research Organisation chairman G. Madhavan Nair said on Thursday.

Dr. Nair was talking to journalists after delivering a National Technology Day lecture on “Indian Space Programme-Future Perspectives,” organised by the Andhra Pradesh Akademi of Sciences (APAS) at the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI).

Chandrayaan's flight will have BrahMos Aerospace power

2008-06-18T19:20:00.005+05:30

The BrahMos Aerospace unit here has signed an agreement with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for taking up engineering and integration work of rockets and other space tech-related infrastructure for future ISRO missions. According the MoU which is worth Rs 25 crore, BrahMos Aerospace will be doing the complete engineering and integration of ISRO’s workhorse PSLV - an advanced version to be used for the Chandrayaan I mission - and the GSLV.

Also the development of the Vikas engine - ISRO’s indigenous cryogenic stage ground-tested at the LPSC, Mahendragiri - will be undertaken by BrahMos.

Chandrayaan's launch date might be september 19!!

2008-06-15T22:33:00.004+05:30

India's moon mission Chandrayaan-I has reached a major milestone as scientists completed the integration of all instruments onto the spacecraft and are aiming to launch it by September 19.

Mylswamy Annadurai, Project Director of Chandrayaan-I, told PTI, "We are now carrying out detailed integrated tests to ensure all systems work as per the expectations and to record spacecraft level data for future reference"

And another lead scientist added "At present, all these activities lead us to September 19 launch,"

So september 19th it is. Only weather can play spoil spot now. Chandrayaan will ride PSLV to the moon which recently set a world record of launching 10 satellites at one go.

Check out a cool video of chandrayaan-1 mission. you might also like to read the time line of Indian space program.

Chandrayaan's glowing image

2008-06-15T13:00:00.004+05:30

I am proud of chandrayaan mission. And fascinated with it. So i made a glowing picture of chandrayaan, the spacecraft. Do you like the glowing picture of chandrayaan? Well i was playing with one of the chadrayaan-1 image that i had and this came out. I kind of liked it and thought of sharing it.

You can see there are lot of pictures of chandrayaan out. You might also want to see the chandrayaan video's i had collected for chandrayaan mission.

You might also be interested in playing the chandrayaan game that i developed.

How is world preparing for the moon?

2008-06-13T07:54:00.007+05:30

Latest reports from ISRO indicate that chandrayaan-1 preparation are on schedule and launch will be in September, that is 3 months from now. So what do you think moon is alone for now. NO the moon is buzzing and the world wide aerospace agencies are preparing for the moon. To get to know what are the things going on earth about the moon grab the edition of aerospace America magazine. June 2008 edition has lots of article on humans renewed interest in moon.

For those who came late, chandrayaan-1 is Indian's first mission to the moon. Read more about the chandrayaan mission here. See chandrayaan-1 spacecraft here. Watch video of chandrayaan here and play a simple but addictive chandrayaan game here.

And "Aerospace America" is USA's magazine covering Aviation. It is a source of information on the cutting-edge technologies, policy issues, and business trends that affect the profession.

The magazine's readers and contributors include leaders of the nation's major space, aeronautics, and defense programs as well as premier decision-makers in government, industry, and academia, both national and international.

This magazine is owned by American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Read the june 2008 issue of Aerospace America online by clicking this Link

Coundown for chandrayaan mission begins

2008-06-10T07:12:00.007+05:30

The countdown for the chandrayaan mission begins! Moon mission will launch in September says ISRO. A precise launch date is not still not finalized.

A crucial meeting of the senior scientists at Isro's Satellite Centre has decided that the moon mission could blast off in September. Weather conditions will also determine the precise launch date.

source : times of india

What do GSLV and PSLV has common apart from being from ISRO?

2008-06-05T19:43:00.006+05:30

What do GSLV and PSLV has common apart from being from ISRO?

PSLV will carry chandrayaan-1 and GSLv will carry none. But that's the difference, i asked what is common between GSLV and PSLV?

Its vikas engine!!! The Vikas engine, based on the French Viking engine developed for Europe's Ariane launcher, is used in the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) as well as the GSLV.

The ISRO has farmed out the manufacture of the engine to three Indian companies: Machine Tools Aids & Reconditioning of Hyderabad, Godrej and Kerala Hitech Industries Limited (Keltec) based in Thiruvananthapuram. The final assembly of the engines and the stages is, however, carried out by the ISRO. The PSLV requires only one Vikas engine (for its second stage). The GSLV, on the other hand, needs five such engines: one for each of the four strap-ons and one for the second stage. The second stage employs indigenously manufactured Vikas engine and carries 40 tonne of liquid propellant — Unsymmetrical Di-Methyl Hydrazine (UDMH) as fuel and Nitrogen tetroxide (N2O4) as oxidizer.

It generates a maximum thrust of about 724 kN!!!

ISRO's 10 satellite launch has elevated india's status

2008-05-30T21:39:00.006+05:30

The PSLV's recent launch of 10 satellites into precise orbit has boosted the confidence of the space community and elevated the status of India among space-faring nations, Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman G Madhavan Nair said on 30th May 2008.

Source : The hindu

what are the objectives of chandrayaan-1 mission

2008-05-27T04:57:00.002+05:30

The objectives of the Chandrayaan-I mission are to carry out high resolution mapping of topographic features in 3-D and to harness the science payloads, the lunar craft and the launch vehicle with suitable ground support systems. The mission's spacecraft "would not be landing, but will travel in a polar orbit around the moon and pay special attention to gathering data on the polar icecaps that may contain traces of water.

ISRO's plans to launch 70 missions in the 11th Five Year Plan period (2007-12), which would be three times the number it has "done in the past five years.

Play the chandrayaan game here

Play the updated chandrayaan game!

2008-05-24T19:16:00.001+05:30

This is the second update on the chandrayaan game. Whatever little time i had i did few fixes that i noticed. The changes include the inclusion of visible dust, then there is an animation when the dust is cleared.

The game is still not complete and is in beta stage. Play the new game and do send in your comments...

Basically the aim of the game is simple.

ISRO is about to launch chandrayaan but they are worried about the space dust and debris out there. So you, the NASA astronaut, come to help. You have 10 seconds to clear those debris before chandrayaan is launched. So get cracking. Move your mouse to navigate the astronaut!!

Good luck and hope you like the small game.

Loading....

I know the game is not perfect, but since this game is done in my spare time, that is 15 or 20 minutes that i get everyday i hope to see some bugs. Please do send in your suggestions and comments.

You might also like
Watch PSLV's record 10 satellite launch
Watch the videos of chandrayaan-1
How chandrayaan-1 looks like
Who is actually taking chandrayaan-1 to moon?
From SLV to chandrayaan - follow the story of indian space program

Indian Space program from SLV to Chandrayaan

2008-05-24T15:19:00.004+05:30

Below is the time line of Indian space program from its very beginning. See how Indian space program evolved from SLV to chandrayaan-1.

Google Earth-like product in 6 months from ISRO

2008-05-24T14:17:00.004+05:30

Adding a feather to its cap, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch its own satellite imagery on the Internet six months from now, rivaling popular mapping service Google Earth.

"Our images are better than good. These images will be on our website six months from now," ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair told news persons here after receiving the Rammohan Puraskar.

Related : Play chandrayaan game

Pointing out that certain locations with high security risks were prohibited by law from being imaged, he said, "We are figuring that out. The remaining places, of course, would be on the net."

Earlier, while receiving the award, Nair pointed out that India had the world's largest constellation of Remote Sensing Satellites!.

via sify

You might also like...

Game of Chandrayaan
Watch PSLV's record 10 satellite launch
Watch the videos of chandrayaan-1
How chandrayaan-1 looks like
Who is actually taking chandrayaan-1 to moon?
From SLV to chandrayaan - follow the story of indian space program

Chandrayaan-1 getting ready at Bangalore

2008-05-17T05:47:00.002+05:30

Mission Moon is being given the final touches in Bangalore. All payloads and instruments, including five from overseas (from US and Europe) in Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft on India's PSLV are currently being assembled at the ISRO satellite integration centre bangalore, the biggest in Asia.

All satellites and instruments from India or abroad have to be tested followed by assembly and integration onto the spacecraft at this centre.

The instruments will be assembled and finally integrated onto Chandrayaan-1 before launch in a couple of months time. Engineers have already conducted vibration tests, temperature tests at high and low frequencies, tests with thermal sub-systems and all electrical and mechanical functioning.

Read the full story here

Chandrayaan game beta 1 is here

2008-05-15T05:51:00.002+05:30

After a long delay i have finally decided to release the chandrayaan game that i am working on as and when i get time. The game is not complete and is in beta stage.

Basically the aim of the game is simple. ISRO is about to launch chandrayaan but they are worried about the space dust and debris out there. So you, the NASA astronaut, come to help. You have 10 seconds to clear those debris before chandrayaan is launched. So get cracking. Move your mouse to navigate the astronaut!!

Good luck and hope you like the small game.

I know the game is not perfect, but since this game is done in my spare time, that is 15 or 20 minutes that i get everyday i hope to see some bugs. Please do send in your suggestions and comments.

You might also like
Watch PSLV's record 10 satellite launch
Watch the videos of chandrayaan-1
How chandrayaan-1 looks like
Who is actually taking chandrayaan-1 to moon?
From SLV to chandrayaan - follow the story of indian space program

Chandrayaan-1 will ride on PSLV watch its video

2008-05-14T07:10:00.003+05:30

Chandrayaan-1 launch is by the end of this year, but still its rath, the launch vehicle that will be carrying it, is making news.

PSLV has recently made a world record of putting 10 satellites at one go. Watch PSLV's record in this video.

Hope you enjoyed it.

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How chandrayaan-1 looks like
Who is actually taking chandrayaan-1 to moon?
From SLV to chandrayaan - follow the story of indian space program

THE LOGIC FOR DOING CHJANDRAYAAN MISSION

2008-05-13T05:32:00.001+05:30

When i wrote about "What’s the justification in sending unmanned spacecraft on moon by India" Shashank, a reader of this blog has this comment.

"I think that no-one seeing the other side of story. ISRO is sending is doing lunar mission coz it will increase its reputation as a satellite launcher. It will give the probable customer a more RELIABLE feeling that if ISRO can send a satellite to MOON safely then sending a satellite to EARTH'S OUTER ORBIT for ISRO is no BIG DEAL.

So by this mission ISRO is going to earn a lot of buck by SATELLITE LAUNCHING business therefore the amount invested in CHANDRAYAAN mission is not going to be wasted. Plus its a very good MARKETING STUNT to became member of worlds leading SPACE ORGANISATIONS. Now i hope that everyone can understand the logic behind this mission. "

So tell us is Shashank right? What do you think is the logic of doing chandrayaan mission?

Related links
Watch PSLV's record 10 satellite launch
Watch the videos of chandrayaan-1
How chandrayaan-1 looks like
Who is actually taking chandrayaan-1 to moon?
From SLV to chandrayaan - follow the story of indian space program

Indian space program rocketing to new heights

2008-05-11T06:09:00.004+05:30

I read this blog entry on indian space progress by Hardik Kothare. Re-printing a part of it here.

Finally, the pioneers of Mathematics and Science (the title which has been denied to us by the global community since ages) are now snatching (not demanding) their rightful place on the map of laudable feats achieved in science and technology. ISRO and DRDO have been involved in projects which promise considerable respect and awe towards the two organisations which are always at the helm of technological development in India.
ISRO launched a staggering number of 10 satellites at a time using its indigenous launching system, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)! The project involved nanosatellites from other nations too! Sriharikota, the mecca of Indian Aerospace Engineering exulted with pride as the common man of India also appreciated India's leaps and bounds in space research. ISRO missions are now almost independent of foreign technological help because now we have started constructing our very own cryogenic engines which is a remarkable achievement (apparently our ever-controversial dear Director is an expert in the field!)

Read the full post here

Related links
Watch the videos of chandrayaan-1
How chandrayaan-1 looks like
Who is actually taking chandrayaan-1 to moon?
From SLV to chandrayaan - follow the story of indian space program

Chandrayaan-1 is going to moon, you can send your name too.

2008-05-11T02:27:00.000+05:30

Chandrayaan-1 mission will launch at the end of 3rd quarter of 2008, and during the same time NASA has plans for LRO that is Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter!!!

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) is the first mission in NASA's Vision for Space Exploration, a plan to return to the moon and then to travel to Mars and beyond. LRO's objectives are to finding safe landing sites, locate potential resources, characterize the radiation environment, and demonstrate new technology.

Send your names to the moon. Names are being collected and placed onboard the LRO spacecraft for its historic mission bringing NASA back to the moon. You will receive a certificate showcasing your support of the mission.

The deadline is June 27, 2008 for the submission of names.

Send your names to the moon.

Chandrayaan-1 already on moon executing its objectives

2008-05-06T06:34:00.003+05:30

This is an animation of chandrayaan-1 rovering on moon with earth in the background, that i have created in javascript which shows chandryann-1 on its mission of mapping the moon.

Do you know what are the Scientific Objectives

The Chandrayaan-1 mission is aimed at high-resolution remote sensing of the moon in visible, near infrared(NIR), low energy X-rays and high-energy X-ray regions. Specifically the objectives will be

To prepare a three-dimensional atlas (with a high spatial and altitude resolution of 5-10m) of both near and far side of the moon.

To conduct chemical and mineralogical mapping of the entire lunar surface for distribution of elements such as Magnesium, Aluminum, Silicon, Calcium, Iron and Titanium with a spatial resolution of about 25 km and high atomic number elements such as Radon, Uranium & Thorium with a spatial resolution of about 20 km.

Learn more here

Related links
Watch the videos of chandrayaan-1
How chandrayaan-1 looks like
Who is actually taking chandrayaan-1 to moon?
From SLV to chandrayaan - follow the story of indian space program

Indian aiming for the moon

2008-05-05T05:25:00.003+05:30

With ISRO successfully placing 10 satellites into their orbits simultaneously using the PSLV-C9 last week, according to analysts, this has put it several notches ahead of even countries like Russia. Indeed, while speaking to the media after the launch, ISRO's chairman G Madhavan Nair who doubles up as the secretary of the Department of Space (DoS), said as much. This record mission now puts ISRO's commercial arm, the Rs 600-crore Antrix Corporation, in a better position to capture part of the $4bn global satellite launch business since ISRO launch costs are a lot lower than those of its competitors.

Nair, who took over as chairman in September 2003, however, is not sitting on his laurels. In another few months, he plans to kick off the Chandrayaan mission, India's unmanned lunar mission. The idea is to, over a two-year period, survey the moon's surface to provide a complete map of its chemical characteristics.

Read more here

Related links
Watch the videos of chandrayaan-1
How chandrayaan-1 looks like
Who is actually taking chandrayaan-1 to moon?
From SLV to chandrayaan - follow the story of indian space program

Know more about Chandrayaan-1 -the spacecraft

2008-05-04T10:45:00.002+05:30

ISRO, indian's space agency is gearing up for the chandrayaan mission to be launched by the end of this year. Mean while why not know about the chandrayaan the craft that will place India into the elite club.

The moon craft is cuboid in shape of approximately 1.50 m side and it weighs 1304 kg at launch and 590 kg at lunar orbit and accommodates eleven science payloads.

Well that is about the size and the capacity of chandrayaan, what about the power unit?

It is 3-axis stabilized spacecraft using two star sensors, gyros and four reaction wheels. The power generation would be through a canted single-sided solar array to provide required power during all phases of the mission. This deployable solar array consisting of a single panel generates 700W of peak power. Solar array along with yoke would be stowed on the south deck of the spacecraft in the launch phase. During eclipse spacecraft will be powered by Lithium ion (Li-Ion) batteries.

After deployment the solar panel plane is canted by 30º to the spacecraft pitch axis.

The spacecraft employs a X-band, 0.7m diameter parabolic antenna for payload data transmission. The antenna employs a dual gimbal mechanism to track the earth station when the spacecraft is in lunar orbit.

The spacecraft uses a bipropellant integrated propulsion system to reach lunar orbit as well as orbit and attitude maintenance while orbiting the moon.

The propulsion system carries required propellant for a mission life of 2 years, with adequate margin.

The Telemetry, Tracking & Command (TTC) communication is in S-band frequency.

The scientific payload data transmission is in X-band frequency.

The spacecraft has three Solid State Recorders (SSRs) on board to record data from various payloads.

SSR-1 will store science payload data and has capability of storing 32Gb data.
SSR-2 will store science payload data along with spacecraft attitude information (gyro and star sensor), satellite house keeping and other auxiliary data. The storing capacity of SSR-2 is 8Gb.
M3 (Moon Mineralogy Mapper) payload has an independent SSR with 10Gb capacity.

Related links
Watch the videos of chandrayaan-1
How chandrayaan-1 looks like
Who is actually taking chandrayaan-1 to moon?
From SLV to chandrayaan - follow the story of indian space program

Video's of chandrayaan

2008-04-30T06:10:00.000+05:30

I have been searching the net for some video's of chandrayaan-1, India's first mission to moon, scheduled to launch in 3rd quarter of 2008 and here is the video's i found.

This one is beautiful animation of the ISRO satellite launch

And here is a playlist of Indian space program that i have created

Check this one on you tube. This is really good!

ISRO says chandrayaan-1launch will be in 3rd quarter of 2008

2008-04-29T06:35:00.002+05:30

Indian space scientists are aiming to launch their ambitious Moon-mission Chandrayaan-I in the third quarter of this year. It will launch a 500 kg satellite that will orbit Earth's only natural satellite for two years for terrain mapping and lunar surface mapping.

Read more

Watch PSLV, the launch vehicle that will send chandrayaan-1 to moon, make history by launching 10 satelites here

Before chandrayaan-1 launch, PSLV makes a world record.

2008-04-28T14:41:00.005+05:30

Setting a world record, India's Polar rocket on 28th april, successfully placed ten satellites, including the country's remote sensing satellite, into orbit in a single mission.

This is for the first time that ISRO has put ten satellites in orbit in a single launch. This is also the PSLV's twelfth successful flight.

It is for the first time in the world that ten satellites were launched in a single mission. Russia had earlier launched eight satellites together.

The ten-pack launch of the Indian Space Research Organisation saw the 230-tonne Polar Satellite launch Vehicle carry the heaviest luggage--824 kgs--and put into orbit an Indian Mini Satellite and eight foreign nano satellites besides the Cartosat-2A remote sensing satellite.
Read more

watch the vedio of PSLV making world record

Likely date for chandrayaan launch

2008-04-24T06:07:00.003+05:30

India might launch its Chandrayaan 1 probe in July. While there is no official words out from ISRO, but spaceflight.com presents this view.

Read more on the return to moon report from this link

July PSLV • Chandrayaan 1
Launch time: To be decided
Launch site: Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota, India

India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) will send the Chandrayaan 1 spacecraft to the moon. It will be country's first lunar orbiter. The mission carries a slate of instruments provided by scientists from India, Bulgaria, the European Space Agency and NASA. Delayed from April.

use this link to track chandrayaan's launch date http://www.spaceflightnow.com/tracking/index.html

ISRO has joined hands with the US’s NASA for space explorations

2008-04-24T06:06:00.000+05:30

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has joined hands with the US’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for space explorations, parliament was informed Wednesday. Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Prithviraj Chavan said the framework agreement was signed between the two space research organisations for cooperation in the “exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes”.

“The areas identified for co-operation include earth sciences, observation and monitoring; space science; exploration systems; space operations; and other relevant areas of mutual interest,” Chavan informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply.

The agreement was signed in February and has an initial validity of 10 years.

Read more

Govt actively considering sending man into space

2008-04-17T06:10:00.000+05:30

India is gearing up for the launch of its maiden moon mission Chandrayaan-I later this year and government is actively considering sending a man into space, Minister of State in PMO Prithviraj Chavan said on Wednesday.

Integration of 11 experiments -- five Indian and six foreign -- is proceeding satisfactorily and scientists are looking forward to a launch in the third quarter, he said replying to supplementaries in the Lok Sabha.

He said serious studies by scientists are going on to explore possibilities of putting a human into space.

Read more at http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200804161442.htm

lets see how chandrayaan-1 looks like.

2008-04-09T06:11:00.003+05:30

Chandrayaan-1, the Cuboid shape Indian dream will launch sometime latter in this year. The date is not exactly fixed but the talk is that it might be in or around june last or july first week. But till then lets see how chandrayaan-1 looks like.

I have scoured internet to get some images that are doing rounds on the web. Do check them out some are really cool.

Chandrayaan-1 with the moon

Chandrayaan-1

chandryaan mission

Prototype of chandrayaan

CAD model of chandrayaan

ISRO chandrayaan 3D model

chandrayaan indian express concept

Related links
Watch the videos of chandrayaan-1
How chandrayaan-1 looks like
Who is actually taking chandrayaan-1 to moon?
From SLV to chandrayaan - follow the story of indian space program

ISRO chalked out plan for India’s manned mission

2008-04-06T07:33:00.000+05:30

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed to have chalked out plan for India’s manned mission lined up for 2015 on Friday.

Chairman of ISRO, Dr D G Madhavan Nair told media persons, “We have now finalised the project report on the manned mission. The report is going to the Government.

read more here

Who is actually taking chandrayaan-1 to moon

2008-04-03T13:47:00.000+05:30

Since chandrayaan-1 launch has been delayed till july here's something that i dug up on the rider that will take chandrayaan to the moon!!

The PSLV is the launch vehicle that will actually take chandrayaan and separate it from earth's orbit towards its 4 day journey to the moon.

As wikipedia reports
"
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (usually known by its acronym, PSLV) is an expendable launch system operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It was developed to allow India to launch its Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites into sun synchronous orbits, a service that was, until the advent of the PSLV, commercially viable only from Russia. PSLV can also launch small size satellites into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO).

and if this has excited you then please do read this http://pib.nic.in/archieve/factsheet/fs2000/space.html

This link lists the MILESTONES IN THE INDIAN SPACE PROGRAMME!!!

Must for any space enthusiast!!

After the Moon

2008-02-29T08:49:00.000+05:30

After the Moon, it could be Mars before 2015 for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) if the ambitious space missions drawn up by ISRO's Advisory Committee for Space (ADCOS) up to the year 2020 are realised in the envisaged time frame. This was disclosed here by Prof. U.R. Rao, former Chairman of ISRO and currently Chairman of ADCOS, in his inaugural address at the four-day 15th National Space Science Symposium (NSSS-2008) which got underway on Tuesday.

It was on the basis of the recommendations made by ADCOS that the first lunar mission Chandrayaan-1, which will be an orbiter-cum-impactor mission, and the multi-wavelength X-ray astronomical satellite ASTROSAT have been undertaken by ISRO.

Chandrayaan-1, originally scheduled for an April launch window, is now postponed by a few months and will be launched by mid-2008. The mission is chiefly aimed at understanding the chemistry and mineralogy of the lunar surface. It comprises 11 instrument payloads, which include five indigenous experiments, two joint experiments of ISRO with external agencies and the remaining four wholly foreign.

India's moon mission pushed to July first week

2008-02-29T08:41:00.000+05:30

India's first planetary mission, Chandrayaan-1, has now been rescheduled to take place in the first week of July as the mission personnel work overtime to sort out payload integration and launch-related issues.

"We are targeting the end of June. We will try to make it in the first week of July," a senior scientist associated with the Rs 386 crore moon mission told PTI here on Monday on condition of anonymity.

The lunar mission was originally scheduled for April this year, a time-frame targeted four years ago to get all the payloads well ahead of time and to galvanise the scientists into mission mode with a target to work on.

Indian Space Research Organisation officials insisted that there are no hardware problems and that the space agency is moving more cautiously to ensure that all systems are well tested before and after integration at each stage.

The 525-kg lunar orbiter will carry as many as 11 instruments (payloads), including six from overseas -- two from the US and one each from Britain, Sweden, Germany and Bulgaria.

"Normally we have 2-3 instruments (on board satellite). For the first time, we have 11 instruments from different institutions. We have to ensure that the integration work takes place to our satisfaction", Project Director of Chandrayaan-1 M Annadurai told PTI.

Stressing on inter-compatibility of various instruments on board, Annadurai said ISRO is working on ensuring that "all the systems (one system) does not disturb other systems' performance". "Any system of this volume will have its own issues that need to be solved before proceeding to the next step," he said.

"The issue gets compounded as the organisations are many. When we do this, it will add to taking away schedule cushions. Just to keep the launch target, we don't want to overlook any issue that will compromise the unqualified success of the mission".

ISRO had earlier proposed to launch the lunar probe on April 9 and if not on that day, then on April 23.

Source : the hindu

Inter-compatibility checks delays Chandrayaan-1

2008-02-13T13:27:00.000+05:30

Chandrayaan-1, India's first mission to the Moon, will be "slightly delayed" from its original April launch this year as space scientists work on inter-compatibility of various instruments on board and conduct tests, Indian Space Research Organisation chairman G Madhavan Nair said.

The eagerly awaited mission was originally scheduled to be launched on April nine or April 23 from India's spaceport of Sriharikota, but Nair said ISRO needed more time.

"We are conducting tests on various instruments. There are a large number of instruments and we have to conduct inter-compatibility checks," Nair, also Secretary in the Department of Space, told reporters here.

"We have to review the test results. We will finalise the launch date by the end of February," he said.

Asked if the mission would take place in June, he said: "Much earlier than that. It's not a very major delay. April (the original launch date) appears difficult. We have run out of time." "We have now worked out mission strategy in which we can go (launch Chandrayaan-1 mission) on any day in a month. That way, we don't have that constraint," he said.

Nair said the slight delay in the mission had nothing to do with the Cartosat-2A launch by PSLV from Sriharikota by March-end or early April and noted that ISRO has flexibility, as it has two launch pads in the spaceport.

Whats the justification in sending unmanned spacecraft on moon by India

2008-02-06T15:36:00.001+05:30

India is set to be in the elite group of nations who have advanced to the moon, after the launch of chandrayaan-1. But as we ascend to that pedestal, many of us have this nagging thought, Is the correct step? Is India spending useful money on a moon mission? Well then I have found just the right article for you.

Back in 2006 when chandrayaan mission was announced, Mr. Amit Abhyankar as part of his preparation for some exams wrote and interesting augment about why India should go ahead towards the moon.

I think its right time we again revisit the post Mr. Amit wrote.

Here is the extract from that beautiful post

"
When ISRO announced its first Lunar Mission- Chandrayaan, Mylswami Annadurai, its Project Chief, must have been well aware of the tough road ahead. And it is proving to be one as well; not because of any technical deficiencies, but from a speculation that is making rounds in media & some sections of society (including few political groups); a speculation that ISRO is going to squander billions of rupees, in a country, a very 'poor' country I may add, like India on a mission, which lacks in novelty & instrumentality. The allegations are based on the hypothesis that ISRO is actually wasting crores of rupees on something which has been achieved by some countries decades ago. What's justification in sending unmanned spacecraft on moon, where we all know Uncle Sam has actually landed years ago, the questions are raised, and that too at the expense of 'socio-economical' advancement of millions of poverty-stricken people?

Now let us hear the other side of the story. I think it's high time we stop harping about our poverty. Indian economy is too big (worth $ 600 billion) to be rattled by such 'petty expenses'. Yes, they are petty expenses, when compared to other economic indices. We are going to spend trillions of rupees in next 7 years on mere highway development. In our annual budget we can provide for 102 billion rupees for Tsunami relief, hundred billions on Infrastructure & Health! Look at these figures and compare them with the cost of Chandrayaan, which is only 3.8 billion rupees! Can't we afford that? We certainly can.

What do you feel? Do comment and have your say!!!

Related links
Watch the videos of chandrayaan-1
How chandrayaan-1 looks like
Who is actually taking chandrayaan-1 to moon?
From SLV to chandrayaan - follow the story of indian space program

Indian mission to moon - video of chandrayaan-1 mission

2008-02-06T09:02:00.004+05:30

Check out the new video of chandrayaan-1 mission from tejas on youtube. Definitely worth a view.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipBOotJDJ1k

The video is 8 minutes long, but is worth it. I expect more to come. Very well made. Keep it up.

Do view and comment on it.

here's 10 video of chandrayaan mission for you.

From SLV to chandrayaan-1 Indian space journey

2008-01-30T08:44:00.001+05:30

A PhD student,Rizwana Abbasi, at University of Leicester, UK wrote and interesting article at http://www.countercurrents.org/abbasi290108.htm

I liked the way he historically documented india's space program in such a lucid way. So i am reproducing it here.

Today India is surging ahead to bolster its image as a powerhouse of advanced Space technology. It is all the more surprising that it was only in the late 1960s that India embarked on its Space Programme on a rather modest scale by establishing the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It was instrumental in staging the first of its low capability projects in the initial stages.

Earlier experiments and investments opened up opportunities for testing the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3), which proved successful. From then on India began to advance by leaps and bounds. It soon started testing a range of SLVs which followed the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLVs), the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the more powerful Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). The modernisation of such duel use technologies enhanced Indian capabilities in space and profoundly influenced the South Asian strategic balance. From the 1980s, India jumped into Ballistic Missile superiority by developing its Integrated Guided Missile Programme (IGMDP), which followed the Satellite programme, anti-tank, surface to air, Prithvi and Agni Missiles.

The success of these developments allowed India to achieve rapid superiority in its advanced Satellite Programme. Building upon the success of the Aryabhatta, Bhaskara and Rohini satellites, India started to build high capability satellites, notably the Indian National Satellite (INSAT). The dual purpose INSAT system at present has ten satellites in operation: INSAT-2E, INSAT-3A, INSAT-3B, INSAT-3C, INSAT-3E, KALPANA-1, GSAT-2 and EDUSAT, INSAT-4A and INSAT-4B. The dual purpose GSLV launches INSAT satellites. The INSAT system is a joint venture by the Department of Space (DOS), Department of Telecommunications (DOT), India Meteorological Department (IMD), All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan, the public television broadcaster in India. It is undeniably one of the largest domestic communication satellite systems in the Asia Pacific Region.

The year 2007 has proved to be another significant milestone for the Indian Space Programme. It has brought a significant lead for India, which launched the PLSV-C7 and PSLV-C8 on 10 January and 23 April 2007 respectively. The PSLV-C7 established the Indian capability to launch satellites and bring them back to earth successfully. This venture introduced a new era in launch vehicle and satellite technology development which was an undoubted success and an essential step towards Indian manned space flight. It enhanced Indian capabilities to its global satellite launch business. India has joined the elite club of nations by deploying space exploration resources for commercial use. The PSLV-C8 carried an Italian satellite (AGILE) into a low earth orbit. The GSLV-F04 was launched successfully on 2 September 2007 carrying INSAT-4CR into the desired orbit. It is the largest satellite launched by an Indian launcher so far. The launch of GSLV Mk III is already scheduled for 2008-9. A
n Israeli military intelligence satellite, TechSAR, will be sent into orbit by an Indian rocket, the PSLV, in coming months: after this India could boost its intelligence gathering capability extensively. Above all, India is going to launch its first unmanned lunar mission Chandrayaan-I in April 2008, and Chandrayaan-II in 2011-12. In these developments India received help from the US, Russia, Israel and Europe.

Furthermore, India intends to build a constellation of seven satellites, the Indian regional Navigation Satellite system, a NAVSTAR system which will start functioning by 2012. This project will navigate telecommunication, transport, disaster areas and public safety networks along with other regional activities. Such technology plays an increasingly crucial military role, not only in the development of missiles, but in providing sophisticated intelligence, communications and navigation. Moreover, such is the nature of these projects that these satellites will keep the entire region under the watch of India

For those of who who wnat to read the whole thing please help click the link below

http://www.countercurrents.org/abbasi290108.htm

Chandrayaan-1, the new symbol of friendship between New Delhi and Washington

2008-01-25T08:46:00.000+05:30

According to the telegraph, the star-crossed Indo-US nuclear deal will give way to joint efforts to reach the moon as the new symbol of friendship between New Delhi and Washington following the visit of G. Madhavan Nair, chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (Isro), next week.

Nair will meet Michael Griffin, administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa), and fine-tune America's involvement in Chandrayaan-1, the first Indian planetary science and exploration mission.

Preparations are briskly apace at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, for the launch of India's pioneering moon-bound lunar craft on April 9, but a final word on speculation about changing the lift-off to May or June will come after Nair's meetings here.

Read the full story "Chandrayaan-1, the new symbol of friendship between Indian and US"

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080125/jsp/nation/story_8824978.jsp

former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam defends Chandrayaan

2008-01-21T09:02:00.000+05:30

Scientists worldwide may be eagerly awaiting India's mission to the moon. But Chineesh, a government high school student, questioned the former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on the need to invest crores of rupees on the mission, popularly known as Chandrayaan.

Defending Chandrayaan, the former President, who interacted with students of government schools here on Saturday said: Certain unique materials are available on the moon, and these need to be studied. The country will shortly send the mission to study the geological aspect of the moon, he added.

Assuring the student that India had been spending money on development, he said the country had doubled the spending on agriculture credit.

To a query from another student, Nagaraju, on why a peace-loving person like him built missiles like Prithvi and Agni, Mr. Kalam said: In the 3,000-year history of India, barring 600 years, the country has been ruled by others. If you need development, the country should witness peace and peace is ensured by strength. Missiles were developed to strengthen the country.

Source : The Hindu

See the deep space network Standing tall & alert!

2008-01-16T08:43:00.000+05:30

The Deep Space Network set up near Bangalore is readying itself for the much awaited moon mission in April. Deep space tracking will be initiated this week, signalling readiness of the network.

In April this year, a spacecraft weighing 1,330 kg will be sent hurling across to the moon. Covering this distance of over 3 lakh km in nine days, it will then become a satellite of the moon for a year and two, after which it will be crashed onto the lunar surface.

Chandrayaan-1, as it is called, will be launched from Sriharikota aboard the PSLV launch vehicle this April. All later manoeuvres will be executed by the control centre at ISRO's telemetry, tracking and command network campus in Bangalore. The tracking will be done by ground stations of ISRO and also space agencies of US, Russia and Brazil.

But in addition to this, a two-way radio communication link between the craft and earth will be established through the Deep Space Network (DSN) set up at Byalalu village, 30-odd km from Bangalore.

Comprising a huge parabolic dish 32 metre wide and made of 180 panels of aluminum and weighing over 60 tonnes, it can receive and send radio signals from/to objects beyond 1 lakh km. It can perform telemetry, tracking and command operations in the S-band and receive science data in the X-band.

check out the photo of the parabolic dish here at this link
http://www.deccanherald.com/DeccanHerald.com/UserFiles/Image/Jan142008/st1.jpg

Europe’s next ride to the Moon is Chandrayaan-1

2008-01-12T11:57:00.000+05:30

Its not india that is getting excited about the chandrayaan. I'ts also other nations of the world that are as excited as we are.

Europe for example is the one who will take the next ride on chandrayaan-1

Excitement is rising as ESA is in the final stages of preparation for the first collaborative space mission with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Chandrayaan-1 will study the Moon in great detail and be the first Indian scientific mission leaving the Earth’s vicinity.

Europe is supplying three instruments for the mission.

Read more at Europe’s next ride to the Moon: Chandrayaan-1

Who's powering India's most ambitious space program.

2008-01-08T16:24:00.000+05:30

So you thought ISRO was the sole organization in India that will be watching chandrayaan-1 approach moon with held breadth. You are wrong.

A galaxy of private Indian firms, including corporate biggies like the Tatas, Larsen & Toubro and Godrej and smaller ones like Walchandnagar Foundry (Satara, Pune), Venkateshwara Engineering (Coimbatore) and Shoma Industries (Bangalore), are certain to feel the pulse rising.

As economic times reports, Indian Inc, is quietly powering India's most ambitious space program.

Updates on Chandrayaan are available at

http://chandrayaan-indianmissiontomoon.blogspot.com/

Year end review of Indian Space Programme -must read for indian space story follower

2008-01-03T09:47:00.000+05:30

Domain-b.com has come up with a year end review of Indian Space Programme in 2007. Definitely worth a read for those who are following the Indian space story..

The website begins with " Indian space programme witnessed several major accomplishments and scaled newer heights in mastering space technology during the year. It is significant to note that the remarkable successes were the result of well-orchestrated programmes undertaken by the department aimed at achieving total self-reliance in this cutting edge technology solely through indigenous efforts and utilizing the expertise available within the organization."

Some of the highlights mentioned are

a> The successful orbiting and recovery of a space capsule from the Indian soil using our own launch vehicle

b> Launching of the state of the art remote sensing satellite Cartosat-2 with better than one meter resolution

c> Launching of a satellite exclusively for an European customer under a commercial contract

d> Successful ground testing of indigenously developed cryogenic upper stage

e> Fabrication and installation of a large antenna for providing tracking and command support for deep space missions, in general, and Chandrayaan-I, India`s first un-manned lunar mission, in particular

Read the full report at the following link

http://www.domain-b.com/aero/space/launch_veh/20080102_space.html

"We are working for successful lift off of Chandrayan Mission. -ISRO scientists

2008-01-03T09:31:00.000+05:30

Talking about the ongoing activities Prof J N Goswami, director, Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad said, "We are quite excited about the moon mission envisaged in 2000. We are working for successful lift off of Chandrayan Mission."

Countdown has started for India's moon mission, as the country would be on its way to join the exclusive club that have launched a moon mission, by April, 2008.

The dedicated scientists community from the ISRO's Space Application Centre and Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) based in Ahmedabad involved in the mission are working to make the India's moon mission come true as the date of launch draws closer.

Chandrayaan has an ORKUT community

2008-01-01T09:43:00.000+05:30

Hey chandrayaan now has a orkut community. Open your orkut account and join the community.

here's the link. http://www.orkut.com/Community.aspx?cmm=46012918

Giant leap forward in the new year

2008-01-01T09:36:00.000+05:30

In the year gone by, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved self-reliance in launch vehicle technology with the successful ground testing of the Cryogenic Upper Stage, a key component in putting heavier payloads in orbit.

Capping a string of successes in 2007 in space research, India is poised to take a giant leap forward in the new year with the launch of its maiden moon mission Chandrayaan-I, a feat achieved by a few nations.

2008 will also see India taking first steps towards putting a man in space.

In the year gone by, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved self-reliance in launch vehicle technology with the successful ground testing of the Cryogenic Upper Stage, a key component in putting heavier payloads in orbit.

Space scientists also accomplished the feat of bringing back a spacecraft to earth and was developing a rocket to put four tonne satellites in orbit.

Hectic preparations were underway for the launch of 'Chandrayaan-I' on April 9.

Read more about what ISRO has done in year 2007 here

The most anticipated event of the year 2008 in indian aerospace

2007-12-30T14:17:00.000+05:30

The most anticipated event of the year 2008 in indian aerospace is the launch of Chandrayaan-1, insist first mission to the moon!!!

Are you ready for it? 9th april 2008 is the launch date for the event!!!!

And click here to see what has happened in year 2007 for the chandrayaan-1 mission!!

Do you know when is the launch of Chandrayaan-1 ?

2007-12-20T08:52:00.000+05:30

Do you know when the launch of Chandrayaan-1 is?

Yes Chandrayaan-I, india's first mission to the chanda mama (the moon) is scheduled for launch in April 9, 2008!!!

Yes the next year this is the mission that we all will be talking about. It will be a two years mission and Chandrayaan will take 5 days to reach chanda mama!!!

Why go to the Moon?

2007-12-19T17:21:00.001+05:30

I nearly missed this editorial from The Hindu, a newspaper I used to read while in Chennai, but a chance search on Net brought this before me and I thought why not share it with you all..

I agree that chandrayaan-1 will be a mission that will surely boost India's self-confidence and self reliance.

Asians are heading out to the Moon. In September, the Japanese unmanned spacecraft, the Selenological and Engineering Explorer, nicknamed 'Kaguya,' was launched. It was followed a month later by China's Chang'e-1 space probe. Both spacecraft, safely in orbit around the Moon, have started sending back images and data. Meanwhile, the Indian Space Research Organisation's engineers are racing to get Chandrayaan-1 ready for its flight scheduled for April 2008.

South Korea announced recently that it too wanted to build a launch vehicle and send its own probe to the Moon by 2020. "An Asian Moon race is neither particularly worrying nor especially inspiring," the science journal Nature editorialised recently. After all, it noted, in the 1960s and 1970s, the United States and the Soviet Union mounted dozens of manned as well as unmanned missions to the Moon and brought back samples. There is, however, no space race to the Moon among Asians or anyone else. Those who study planetary bodies argue that there is much good science to be done by exploring and examining the Moon in unprecedented detail. As a result, both U.S. and European institutions are providing several scientific instruments for the Chandrayaan-1 mission.
There is the tantalising possibility of the Moon holding mineral and other resources that might become invaluable some time in the future.

An important reason for visiting the Earth's natural satellite is that such missions provide the hands-on experience indispensable to future explorations of other planetary bodies and beyond. So, as Asian nations grow in economic strength, scientific prowess, and self-confidence, it is natural that they should want to keep open avenues in space to the opportunities of tomorrow. The U.S. is committed to returning humans to the Moon by 2020 and then embarking on the manned exploration of Mars. Although both China and India are known to be contemplating sending astronauts to the Moon, neither country has yet formally committed itself to such a goal. But more unmanned exploration is very much on the cards. China, for instance, is planning to send a rover that can move about on the lunar surface, and in a later mission to bring back rock and soil samples. India too is thinking along similar lines. During Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's recent visit to Russia, the space agencies of the two countries signed an agreement to work together on Chandrayaan-2, a mission to land a rover on the Moon during 2011-2012. From the dawn of human history, Earth's nearest neighbour has held its allure - and not without reason

India, Russia begin talks on Chandrayaan-II

2007-12-19T17:01:00.000+05:30

Even as chandrayaan-1 is underway, ISRO that is India has begun technical discussions with Russia on the joint moon mission Chandrayaan-II which is expected to be launched in 2011-12.

Scientists are planning to land a rover on the moon for carrying out chemical analysis of the lunar surface and explore other resources on the earth's natural satellite.

"In situ chemical analysis and resource exploration is the main objective of Chandrayaan-II," Mylaswamy Annadurai, Project Director of Chandrayaan-I,
told PTI.

Source: the Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200712181424.htm)

Know the project director of chandrayaan-1

2007-12-17T12:34:00.000+05:30

Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai is Project Director of Chandrayaan 1.

Prior to the present appointment, Mr. Annadurai was in Charge of India's National Communication satellite (INSAT) missions as the Mission Director. He has also served as the Associate Project director, for GSAT-3EDUSAT. He was the member secretary of the task team that prepared Chandrayaan-1 project report

Read more about him at wikipedia. And see the man who is behind the mission that will put India in the elite group of nations.

Chandrayaan vedios.

2007-12-15T17:27:00.001+05:30

I have created a youtube play list for the chandrayaan mission. See the video's below In total there are 10 video related to chandrayaan and indian space program.

Here are some links of chandrayaan's vedio.

check out the video of chandrayaan at youtube.

Its 9 minute vedio. Be prepared for some delays if you are watching it on a dial up!!

And here's another one

This is Chandrayaan Animation (India's Mission to Moon) by Thejes Consultancy Inc.

and this one is about ISRO

Karnataka village to control India's Moon mission

2007-12-15T16:58:00.000+05:30

Times of India reports that karnataka village will control India's Moon mission.

"An hour's drive from IT city Bangalore lies Byalalu, a non descript hamlet with a handful of residents and virtually no amenities. But it is this saucer-shaped village, spread over 123 acres across the Bangalore-Mysore highway, which will launch India on its journey to the Moon...... " read more

What planetary society has to say about Chandrayaan

2007-12-15T16:42:00.000+05:30

Planetary society, the largest and most influential public space organization group on Earth , aknowledges that "perhaps the most international and most ambitious of these efforts is the Chandrayaan mission, launched by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)." read more here

About chandrayaan-1 the mission

2007-12-15T13:19:00.000+05:30

Chandrayaan-1 is an Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) mission designed to orbit the Moon over a two year period with the objectives of upgrading and testing India's technological capabilities in space and returning scientific information on the lunar surface.

Click here to see the mission profile

Chandrayaan - indian mission to moon

What experiments will you put on Chandrayaan 2?

My heartiest congratulations to ISRO

52-hour countdown for Chandrayaan-1 has began YAY!!!

A quick FAQ of Chandrayaan Mission

ISRO’s official chandrayaan mission site last updated in January 2007

Will India’s chandrayaan-1 probe will successfully send data from lunar orbit?

Chandrayaan-1 to fly to moon on October 22nd !!

Chandrayaan begins its journey to moon from bangalore

Look how the real chandrayaan looks like?

NSG waiver will help chandrayaan and other space missions

ISRO hoping to launch 100 nano sats

Will chandrayaan make it to the Aero show 2009

Deep Space Network for chandrayaan

Launch of Chandrayaan will be an important milestone - PM

What's the connection between IIT kanpur and Chandrayaan?

Chandrayaan Wallpapers for your Desktop.

Milestones and Acheivements of Indian Space Programme

Chandrayaan mission an opportunity to become international players

The launch of Chandrayaan will be delayed past September 18

After CHANDRAYAAN-I what is CHANDRAYAAN-II About?

Know About the First Indian Thing That Will Touch the Moon’s Soil

Buzz around Chandrayaan-1

Bring chandrayaan to your desktop

Nehru Planetarium showing simulation of chandrayaan mission.

September 19 might become biggest step in indian space program

Russia says it is ready to fly two Indians on a Soyuz spacecraft by 2011.

Chandrayaan

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on chandrayaan mission

Chandrayaan launch date next month

ISRO chairman : Harness technological development for the benefit of mankind

Chandrayaan launch is on 19th september 2008

Chandrayaan's flight will have BrahMos Aerospace power

Chandrayaan's launch date might be september 19!!

Chandrayaan's glowing image

How is world preparing for the moon?

Coundown for chandrayaan mission begins

What do GSLV and PSLV has common apart from being from ISRO?

ISRO's 10 satellite launch has elevated india's status

what are the objectives of chandrayaan-1 mission

Play the updated chandrayaan game!

Indian Space program from SLV to Chandrayaan

Google Earth-like product in 6 months from ISRO

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Chandrayaan-1 getting ready at Bangalore

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Chandrayaan-1 will ride on PSLV watch its video

THE LOGIC FOR DOING CHJANDRAYAAN MISSION

Indian space program rocketing to new heights

Chandrayaan-1 is going to moon, you can send your name too.

Chandrayaan-1 already on moon executing its objectives

Do you know what are the Scientific Objectives

Indian aiming for the moon

Know more about Chandrayaan-1 -the spacecraft

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ISRO says chandrayaan-1launch will be in 3rd quarter of 2008

Before chandrayaan-1 launch, PSLV makes a world record.

Likely date for chandrayaan launch

ISRO has joined hands with the US’s NASA for space explorations

Govt actively considering sending man into space

lets see how chandrayaan-1 looks like.

ISRO chalked out plan for India’s manned mission

Who is actually taking chandrayaan-1 to moon

After the Moon

India's moon mission pushed to July first week

Inter-compatibility checks delays Chandrayaan-1

Whats the justification in sending unmanned spacecraft on moon by India

Indian mission to moon - video of chandrayaan-1 mission

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Chandrayaan-1, the new symbol of friendship between New Delhi and Washington

former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam defends Chandrayaan

See the deep space network Standing tall & alert!

Europe’s next ride to the Moon is Chandrayaan-1

Who's powering India's most ambitious space program.

Year end review of Indian Space Programme -must read for indian space story follower

"We are working for successful lift off of Chandrayan Mission. -ISRO scientists

Chandrayaan has an ORKUT community

Giant leap forward in the new year

The most anticipated event of the year 2008 in indian aerospace

Whats the justification in sending unmanned spacecraft on moon by India

"We are working for successful lift off of Chandrayan Mission. -ISRO scientists