Imagine firing a laser on the Lunar dust/small rocks (known as regolith), vaporising them and then studying the vapours to understand the chemical composition of the lunar surface. This would help identify the rare and otherwise unknown elements that exist on the Moon's surface and possibly help trace how it came to be. Sounds like science fiction? No, this isn't. India's 'Pragyaan' lunar rover will be performing this spectroscopy experiment, among a host of other experiments, when it rolls on the lunar surface during its planned 14-day mission there.

ISRO Chairman Dr&nbsp;S Somanath shared details regarding Chandrayaan-3&nbsp;on the sidelines of a media interaction during the G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting in Bengaluru.&nbsp;

On Thursday evening, ISRO officially announced that India's third lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 would be launched at 14.35 hours (local time) on Friday, July 14. The 3,84,000-kilometre&nbsp;journey towards a lunar soft landing is expected to take around six weeks for the 3,900kg or 3.9-tonne lunar spacecraft. ISRO is targeting a lunar soft landing on either August 23 or 24. Landing dates are determined based on the availability of sunlight at the particular landing spot. Sunlight is essential for the lunar lander and rover to utilise their solar panels and generate power, and thereafter perform their scientific tasks.

ISRO has designed the Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover to function for a duration of 14 earth days (which would be the approximate length of a Lunar Day). After that it would be a period of 14 earth days of darkness at the landing site, hence the rover and lander will not be able to recharge their batteries during that lunar night, when temperatures could be as low as -180 degrees Celcius. However, ISRO says they have tested their lander and rover for extreme conditions and expressed hope that they could "come back to life" once sunlight is again available to them.&nbsp;

"The rover will be moving only within a limited range that is within the sight of the lander's cameras. All data collected by the rover will be transmitted first to the rover and then to the orbiter and then back to Earth. So, after the lunar night both the lander and rover must work, for our mission life to get extended. If both our lander and rover are working after surviving the lunar night, then we will use them for further experiments' Dr&nbsp;Somanath responded to WION's question on the mission life.&nbsp;

<h2>Chandrayaan-3 is India's third lunar mission&nbsp;</h2>

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India is undertaking its third lunar mission and second lunar landing attempt, after the previous mission Chandrayaan-2 could not perform the soft landing. When it was barely two kilometres above the lunar surface, while approaching for a vertical landing, ISRO lost contact with the then 'Vikram' lunar lander.

The lander made a hard landing on&nbsp;the lunar surface, which it did not survive, thus leaving the lunar landing mission incomplete. However, the orbiter from Chandrayaan-2 continues to circle the Moon and provides scientific data from its payloads. Therefore, Chandrayaan-3 will not be having an orbiter that is mounted with multiple science payloads. Instead, it will serve as a propulsion module that will help the integrated spacecraft reach the lunar orbit.&nbsp;

While the Chandrayaan-3 orbiter weighs lesser than its predecessor, the integrated spacecraft (orbiter, lander, rover) weighs 3.9 tonnes or 3,900 kgs, which is approximately 300 kgs more than the integrated Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft. However, the payload mass reduced from the orbiter has been added to the Chandrayaan-3 lunar lander.

"The added mass on the Lunar lander comprises more fuel, more ruggedisation, measures for failure tolerance and strengthening of landing legs and increased scientific payloads, larger solar panels for better power generation," Somanath told WION.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/countdown-begins-isro-to-launch-chandrayaan-3-on-july-14-all-details-here-612770">Countdown begins: ISRO to launch Chandrayaan-3 on July 14 | All details here</a>

On Thursday, the 640-tonne launch vehicle has been moved to the second launch pad at the Indian spaceport. A day or prior to the July 14 launch, a countdown timer is started and a crucial phase of multiple health checks on the vehicle and its systems, sub-systems is carried out. Towards the final stages of the countdown, the Earth-storable liquid fuels and the super-cooled cryogenic fuels are filled into the second and third stages of the rocket, respectively.&nbsp;

Queried about the scientific discoveries and outcomes from Chandrayaan-3, Somanath explained to WION that the initial gains from the mission would be the pictures and data from the Moon. However, the scientific studies would take time to conclude.

"We have explained to major Indian academia, labs, research institutions, etc about the data that we expect from the Chandrayaan-3 experiments. The processing of that data and deriving of scientific inferences from it will be carried out by them. Results will take time", he said.

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Imagine firing a laser on the Lunar dust/small rocks (known as regolith), vaporising them and then studying the vapours to understand the chemical composition of the lunar surface.

Imagine firing a laser on the Lunar dust/small rocks (known as regolith), vaporising them and then studying the vapours to understand the chemical composition of the lunar surface. This would help identify the rare and otherwise unknown elements that exist on the Moon's surface and possibly help trace how it came to be. Sounds like science fiction? No, this isn't. India's 'Pragyaan' lunar rover will be performing this spectroscopy experiment, among a host of other experiments, when it rolls on the lunar surface during its planned 14-day mission there. ISRO Chairman Dr S Somanath shared details regarding Chandrayaan-3 on the sidelines of a media interaction during the G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting in Bengaluru. On Thursday evening, ISRO officially announced that India's third lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 would be launched at 14.35 hours (local time) on Friday, July 14. The 3,84,000-kilometre journey towards a lunar soft landing is expected to take around six weeks for the 3,900kg or 3.9-tonne lunar spacecraft. ISRO is targeting a lunar soft landing on either August 23 or 24. Landing dates are determined based on the availability of sunlight at the particular landing spot. Sunlight is essential for the lunar lander and rover to utilise their solar panels and generate power, and thereafter perform their scientific tasks. ISRO has designed the Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover to function for a duration of 14 earth days (which would be the approximate length of a Lunar Day). After that it would be a period of 14 earth days of darkness at the landing site, hence the rover and lander will not be able to recharge their batteries during that lunar night, when temperatures could be as low as -180 degrees Celcius. However, ISRO says they have tested their lander and rover for extreme conditions and expressed hope that they could "come back to life" once sunlight is again available to them. "The rover will be moving only within a limited range that is within the sight of the lander's cameras. All data collected by the rover will be transmitted first to the rover and then to the orbiter and then back to Earth. So, after the lunar night both the lander and rover must work, for our mission life to get extended. If both our lander and rover are working after surviving the lunar night, then we will use them for further experiments' Dr Somanath responded to WION's question on the mission life. Chandrayaan-3 is India's third lunar mission India is undertaking its third lunar mission and second lunar landing attempt, after the previous mission Chandrayaan-2 could not perform the soft landing. When it was barely two kilometres above the lunar surface, while approaching for a vertical landing, ISRO lost contact with the then 'Vikram' lunar lander. The lander made a hard landing on the lunar surface, which it did not survive, thus leaving the lunar landing mission incomplete. However, the orbiter from Chandrayaan-2 continues to circle the Moon and provides scientific data from its payloads. Therefore, Chandrayaan-3 will not be having an orbiter that is mounted with multiple science payloads. Instead, it will serve as a propulsion module that will help the integrated spacecraft reach the lunar orbit. While the Chandrayaan-3 orbiter weighs lesser than its predecessor, the integrated spacecraft (orbiter, lander, rover) weighs 3.9 tonnes or 3,900 kgs, which is approximately 300 kgs more than the integrated Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft. However, the payload mass reduced from the orbiter has been added to the Chandrayaan-3 lunar lander. "The added mass on the Lunar lander comprises more fuel, more ruggedisation, measures for failure tolerance and strengthening of landing legs and increased scientific payloads, larger solar panels for better power generation," Somanath told WION. Also read | Countdown begins: ISRO to launch Chandrayaan-3 on July 14 | All details here On Thursday, the 640-tonne launch vehicle has been moved to the second launch pad at the Indian spaceport. A day or prior to the July 14 launch, a countdown timer is started and a crucial phase of multiple health checks on the vehicle and its systems, sub-systems is carried out. Towards the final stages of the countdown, the Earth-storable liquid fuels and the super-cooled cryogenic fuels are filled into the second and third stages of the rocket, respectively. Queried about the scientific discoveries and outcomes from Chandrayaan-3, Somanath explained to WION that the initial gains from the mission would be the pictures and data from the Moon. However, the scientific studies would take time to conclude. "We have explained to major Indian academia, labs, research institutions, etc about the data that we expect from the Chandrayaan-3 experiments. The processing of that data and deriving of scientific inferences from it will be carried out by them. Results will take time", he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Chandrayaan-3 rover to fire laser on lunar rocks, vaporise them to perform studies 

The Chinese space agency, on Monday (April 24), revealed that it recently gifted Russia and France small samples of lunar soil collected during the fifth mission of China’s Lunar Exploration Programme in 2020. Earlier this month, France was presented with 1.5 grams, said Guan Feng from the China National Space Administration (CNSA), as per South China Morning Post (SCMP).&nbsp;

Russia and China exchange lunar soil

The Chinese space agency also revealed that back in February 2022, during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Beijing, he was given lunar soil samples weighing 1.5 grams for “scientific research purposes,” said the CNSA on its website.&nbsp;

In turn, when Chinese President Xi Jinping went to Russia for a visit, earlier this year, he was given 1.5 grams of lunar soil collected by the first Soviet probe, the Luna-16 in 1970, to perform a sample return mission to the Moon, reported Russian news agency Tass.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The announcement was made by Guan while addressing an audience during the opening ceremony of this year’s Space Day of China in Hefei, on April 24.

China gives France lunar soil

Additionally, a similar amount of&nbsp;lunar soil was presented to French President Emmanuel Macron, earlier this month, during his visit to Beijing.&nbsp;

Scientific value of the exchanges

A French geologist Thomas Smith at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing said this is “proof of the strong friendship and partnership between our two countries” referring to the gift from China to France, reported the SCMP. Notably, he was the first foreign national to receive samples collected during the Chinese mission.

The geologist also noted how the samples collected during the Chinese mission in 2020 were the first ones since the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Apollo and the Soviet Luna missions. “They represent the youngest-ever lunar soils brought back to Earth. Therefore, they are of high scientific value and give insights into the events that happened late in the moon’s history,” said Smith.&nbsp;

Smith, who received some 400 milligrams of the sample and two tiny particles for the study said he used them to measure the concentrations of noble gases such as helium and neon. The geologist also said that he would look at how the moon has been impacted by various cosmic events on the moon over the aeons.

China’s Chang’e-5 mission&nbsp;

In 2020, CNSA launched its fifth mission of China’s Lunar Exploration Programme called Chang’e 5 which collected a total of 1,731g of lunar samples around 23 days later. After the samples, which are said to be some two billion years old, reached Earth the CNSA announced that lunar soil analysis would be conducted with international cooperation.&nbsp;

The recent findings, based on the samples collected during the 2020 mission, indicated that the moon still had active volcanoes two billion years ago which is more recent than previously thought.&nbsp;

The Apollo and Luna rocks are said to be somewhere between three and 4.4 billion years old. As of now, researchers in China as well as several countries like Australia, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and so on, are analysing the lunar samples collected.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The Chinese space agency, on Monday (April 24), revealed that it recently gifted Russia and France small samples of lunar soil collected during the fifth mission of China’s Lunar Exploration Programme in 2020.

The Chinese space agency, on Monday (April 24), revealed that it recently gifted Russia and France small samples of lunar soil collected during the fifth mission of China’s Lunar Exploration Programme in 2020. Earlier this month, France was presented with 1.5 grams, said Guan Feng from the China National Space Administration (CNSA), as per South China Morning Post (SCMP). Russia and China exchange lunar soil The Chinese space agency also revealed that back in February 2022, during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Beijing, he was given lunar soil samples weighing 1.5 grams for “scientific research purposes,” said the CNSA on its website. In turn, when Chinese President Xi Jinping went to Russia for a visit, earlier this year, he was given 1.5 grams of lunar soil collected by the first Soviet probe, the Luna-16 in 1970, to perform a sample return mission to the Moon, reported Russian news agency Tass. The announcement was made by Guan while addressing an audience during the opening ceremony of this year’s Space Day of China in Hefei, on April 24. China gives France lunar soil Additionally, a similar amount of lunar soil was presented to French President Emmanuel Macron, earlier this month, during his visit to Beijing. Scientific value of the exchanges A French geologist Thomas Smith at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing said this is “proof of the strong friendship and partnership between our two countries” referring to the gift from China to France, reported the SCMP. Notably, he was the first foreign national to receive samples collected during the Chinese mission. The geologist also noted how the samples collected during the Chinese mission in 2020 were the first ones since the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Apollo and the Soviet Luna missions. “They represent the youngest-ever lunar soils brought back to Earth. Therefore, they are of high scientific value and give insights into the events that happened late in the moon’s history,” said Smith. Smith, who received some 400 milligrams of the sample and two tiny particles for the study said he used them to measure the concentrations of noble gases such as helium and neon. The geologist also said that he would look at how the moon has been impacted by various cosmic events on the moon over the aeons. China’s Chang’e-5 mission In 2020, CNSA launched its fifth mission of China’s Lunar Exploration Programme called Chang’e 5 which collected a total of 1,731g of lunar samples around 23 days later. After the samples, which are said to be some two billion years old, reached Earth the CNSA announced that lunar soil analysis would be conducted with international cooperation. The recent findings, based on the samples collected during the 2020 mission, indicated that the moon still had active volcanoes two billion years ago which is more recent than previously thought. The Apollo and Luna rocks are said to be somewhere between three and 4.4 billion years old. As of now, researchers in China as well as several countries like Australia, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and so on, are analysing the lunar samples collected. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chinese space agency reveals Beijing gifted Russia, France lunar soil. Here's why

With tons of lunar missions headed for the launchpad, scientists will soon create a 'lunar time zone'. Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Scientists to create 'lunar time zone'

Indian Space Agency ISRO conducted a crucial cryogenic rocket engine test. The indigenous CE20 cryogenic engine takes India a step closer to executing its third lunar mission Chandrayaan 3.

Cryogenic engine for ISRO's third lunar mission

Australian scientists are trying to grow plants on the moon by 2025 in a new mission unveiled Friday that they said could help pave the way for a future colony.

WION Climate Tracker: Australia seeks to grow plants on moon by 2025

China has successfully conducted the test of a new powerful engine for its super heavy-lift rocket for its lunar missions.

According to reports, the engine is being designed to power the third stage of China’s planned Long March 9 —a super heavy-lift rocket which is being designed for space missions such as a crewed lunar landing and exploration on Mars.

On Saturday, the Beijing Astronautics Experiment Institute of Technology (BAEIT) announced that the first prototype of the 25-tonne YF-79 rocket engine overcame technical difficulties.

BAEIT is a unit of the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the country’s space programme which developed the closed-cycle rocket engine.

“Three ground tests of the new hydrogen-oxygen engine were successfully completed on Friday,” said BAEIT in a statement.

Over the past week, the agency held 12 ignition tests on the new engine, as well as a high-thrust hydrogen-oxygen engine and an orbital control engine, BAEIT said without giving further details.

“Our teams … shortened the test cycles and increased test capacity, and achieved consecutive successes,” it said in a statement on its WeChat social media account, the South China Morning Post reported.

According to CASC, the engine uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen for propellant and can generate 25 tons of thrust, making it one of the most powerful such engines ever made.

The Long March 9 launch vehicle is currently expected to have its test flight by 2030. It is comparable to NASA's iconic Saturn V or the larger versions of the American space agency's huge new deep-space rocket, the&nbsp;Space Launch System.

(With inputs from agencies)

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China has successfully conducted the test of a new powerful engine for its super heavy-lift rocket for its lunar missions. According to reports, the engine is being designed to power the third stage of China’s planned Long March 9 —a super heavy-lift rocket which is being designed for space missions such as a crewed lunar landing and exploration on Mars.

China has successfully conducted the test of a new powerful engine for its super heavy-lift rocket for its lunar missions. According to reports, the engine is being designed to power the third stage of China’s planned Long March 9 —a super heavy-lift rocket which is being designed for space missions such as a crewed lunar landing and exploration on Mars. On Saturday, the Beijing Astronautics Experiment Institute of Technology (BAEIT) announced that the first prototype of the 25-tonne YF-79 rocket engine overcame technical difficulties. BAEIT is a unit of the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the country’s space programme which developed the closed-cycle rocket engine. “Three ground tests of the new hydrogen-oxygen engine were successfully completed on Friday,” said BAEIT in a statement. Over the past week, the agency held 12 ignition tests on the new engine, as well as a high-thrust hydrogen-oxygen engine and an orbital control engine, BAEIT said without giving further details. “Our teams … shortened the test cycles and increased test capacity, and achieved consecutive successes,” it said in a statement on its WeChat social media account, the South China Morning Post reported. According to CASC, the engine uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen for propellant and can generate 25 tons of thrust, making it one of the most powerful such engines ever made. The Long March 9 launch vehicle is currently expected to have its test flight by 2030. It is comparable to NASA's iconic Saturn V or the larger versions of the American space agency's huge new deep-space rocket, the Space Launch System. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China successfully tests new engine for its powerful Long March 9 rocket

China has become only the third country to discover a new mineral on the moon after its scientists said on Friday that they had found one. At a press conference, Dong Baotong, vice chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority, announced the name of the new mineral as Changesite-(Y). It was found in rock and dust samples retrieved from the moon by China’s Chang’e-5 mission.

The mission was launched in 2020 and was China's first to return a lunar sample. US and Russia are the other two countries to have done so till date. It is the sixth new mineral humans have discovered on the moon.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mission-to-moon-how-us-and-japan-plan-to-once-again-send-humans-to-the-lunar-surface-481528">How US and Japan plan to once again send humans to the lunar surface</a>

Wang Xuejun, a party official with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), informed that a research team from the Beijing Research Institute of Uranium Geology carefully separated a single crystalline particle of the material from more than 140,000 lunar particles using hi-tech processes, including X-ray diffraction.

The particle was about 10 microns in diameter, or about one-tenth of a human hair, Wang told reporters. Changesite-(Y) is a phosphate mineral found in lunar basalts. The Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association has confirmed it as a new mineral.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-plans-more-moon-missions-after-finding-new-mineral-515021">WATCH |&nbsp;China plans more moon missions after finding new mineral</a>

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Phosphate is the natural source of phosphorous and is also found on Earth. It is an element that provides a major chunk of the nutrients plants need for their growth. While excess of it is damaging to the human body, it would play a key role in helping space faring heroes farm on the lunar surface.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-mysterious-spacecraft-crashed-into-the-moon-says-nasa-492426">Mystery deepens as spacecraft crashes into Moon, creating a double crater</a>

The CNNC’s Wang said the discovery of Changesite-(Y) was a breakthrough in mineralogy research and will help understand the history and evolution of the moon, besides helping with deep space exploration.

(With inputs from agencies)

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China has become only the third country to discover a new mineral on the moon after its scientists said on Friday that they had found one. At a press conference, Dong Baotong, vice chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority, announced the name of the new mineral as Changesite-(Y).

China has become only the third country to discover a new mineral on the moon after its scientists said on Friday that they had found one. At a press conference, Dong Baotong, vice chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority, announced the name of the new mineral as Changesite-(Y). It was found in rock and dust samples retrieved from the moon by China’s Chang’e-5 mission. The mission was launched in 2020 and was China's first to return a lunar sample. US and Russia are the other two countries to have done so till date. It is the sixth new mineral humans have discovered on the moon. Also Read | How US and Japan plan to once again send humans to the lunar surface Wang Xuejun, a party official with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), informed that a research team from the Beijing Research Institute of Uranium Geology carefully separated a single crystalline particle of the material from more than 140,000 lunar particles using hi-tech processes, including X-ray diffraction. The particle was about 10 microns in diameter, or about one-tenth of a human hair, Wang told reporters. Changesite-(Y) is a phosphate mineral found in lunar basalts. The Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification of the International Mineralogical Association has confirmed it as a new mineral. WATCH | China plans more moon missions after finding new mineral × Phosphate is the natural source of phosphorous and is also found on Earth. It is an element that provides a major chunk of the nutrients plants need for their growth. While excess of it is damaging to the human body, it would play a key role in helping space faring heroes farm on the lunar surface. Also Read | Mystery deepens as spacecraft crashes into Moon, creating a double crater The CNNC’s Wang said the discovery of Changesite-(Y) was a breakthrough in mineralogy research and will help understand the history and evolution of the moon, besides helping with deep space exploration. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China discovers a new mineral on the moon, becomes the third country to do so

South Korea launched its first lunar orbiter on Friday which is expected to reach the Moon by mid-December. Nicknamed Danuri, meaning "enjoy the Moon", the Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter was launched on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida by Elon Musk's aerospace company SpaceX early Friday.

The 678 kg Danuri began communicating with a ground station around 9:40 a.m. "Analysis of the received information confirmed...Danuri was operating normally," Vice Science Minister Oh Tae-seog told a briefing. He further informed that the orbiter had&nbsp;established a trajectory towards the moon.

Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/moon-may-be-stealing-earths-water-for-itself-here-is-how-476307">Moon may be 'stealing' Earth's water for itself, here is how</a>

"Analysis of the received satellite information confirmed that Danuri's solar panel was properly unfolded to start power generation," Tae-seog further informed.

After it enters the moon's orbit in December, it will start searching for a landing site, the ministry said. If it succeeds, South Korea will become the world's seventh lunar explorer and the fourth in Asia, behind China, Japan and India.

A maintenance issue with the SpaceX rocket had earlier delayed the launch that was initially set to happen on Wednesday. Notably, South Korea has been placing huge focus on its space programme and aims to send a probe to the moon by 2030.&nbsp;

Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/an-eye-in-space-russia-launches-satellite-to-snoop-on-us-national-security-mission-heres-whats-happening-503592">'An eye in space': Russia launches satellite to snoop on US national security mission</a>

It has also joined the Artemis project aimed at returning to the moon by 2024, Reuters reported.

Danuri, which took seven years to build, will also&nbsp;test space internet technology&nbsp;to link satellites or exploration spacecraft. To test this wireless network, the orbiter will stream K-pop band BTS' song "Dynamite".

Scientists are also hopeful of Danuri finding hidden water sources and ice on the Moon, including the permanently dark and cold regions near the poles.

(With inputs from agencies)

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South Korea launched its first lunar orbiter on Friday which is expected to reach the Moon by mid-December. Nicknamed Danuri, meaning "enjoy the Moon", the Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter was launched on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida by Elon Musk's aerospace company SpaceX early Friday.

South Korea launched its first lunar orbiter on Friday which is expected to reach the Moon by mid-December. Nicknamed Danuri, meaning "enjoy the Moon", the Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter was launched on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida by Elon Musk's aerospace company SpaceX early Friday. The 678 kg Danuri began communicating with a ground station around 9:40 a.m. "Analysis of the received information confirmed...Danuri was operating normally," Vice Science Minister Oh Tae-seog told a briefing. He further informed that the orbiter had established a trajectory towards the moon. Read More | Moon may be 'stealing' Earth's water for itself, here is how "Analysis of the received satellite information confirmed that Danuri's solar panel was properly unfolded to start power generation," Tae-seog further informed. After it enters the moon's orbit in December, it will start searching for a landing site, the ministry said. If it succeeds, South Korea will become the world's seventh lunar explorer and the fourth in Asia, behind China, Japan and India. A maintenance issue with the SpaceX rocket had earlier delayed the launch that was initially set to happen on Wednesday. Notably, South Korea has been placing huge focus on its space programme and aims to send a probe to the moon by 2030. Read More | 'An eye in space': Russia launches satellite to snoop on US national security mission It has also joined the Artemis project aimed at returning to the moon by 2024, Reuters reported. Danuri, which took seven years to build, will also test space internet technology to link satellites or exploration spacecraft. To test this wireless network, the orbiter will stream K-pop band BTS' song "Dynamite". Scientists are also hopeful of Danuri finding hidden water sources and ice on the Moon, including the permanently dark and cold regions near the poles. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

South Korea launches its first lunar orbiter, Danuri, on a SpaceX rocket

NASA's CAPSTONE (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) is all set to become the first spacecraft to fly a specific unique lunar orbit.

The tiny CubeSat, which is approximately the size of a microwave oven, will serve as a pathfinder for other future missions to the moon with the crew.

Rocket Lab took to Twitter to announce that it has delayed the launch of CAPSTONE by a single day and is now targeting June 28 for it.

With live coverage on NASA Television, the launch will take place from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula.&nbsp;

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Going to the Moon is no small feat. Our team has been working on the historic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAPSTONE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAPSTONE</a> mission for more than 2 years, developing innovative tech to help us explore the Moon and beyond with small sats. Here's just a tiny glimpse of our incredible people behind the mission. <a href="https://t.co/2QHP65dNQ9">pic.twitter.com/2QHP65dNQ9</a>
— Rocket Lab (@RocketLab) <a href="https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1541203359536795648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The spacecraft, which will arrive near rectilinear halo orbit (NRHO) on November 13, has been designed and built by Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems.

The project, which has been funded by NASA’s Small Business Technology Transfer programme, could help improve the efficiency of solar cells for space missions and use on Earth.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/historic-nasas-first-ever-commercial-launch-outside-united-states-492052" hreflang="en">Historic: NASA’s first-ever commercial launch outside United States</a>

This is the first spacecraft to test the stability of the new orbit NRHO around the moon and is crucial as the pull of gravity from the earth and the moon interact in this spot in space to allow for a nearly-stable orbit.

The unique type of orbit will be used by NASA for parking its lunar-orbiting space station Gateway as part of its Artemis programme that is scheduled to take two astronauts to the lunar South Pole in 2024-25 and construct a lunar base.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

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NASA's CAPSTONE (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) is all set to become the first spacecraft to fly a specific unique lunar orbit.

NASA's CAPSTONE (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) is all set to become the first spacecraft to fly a specific unique lunar orbit. The tiny CubeSat, which is approximately the size of a microwave oven, will serve as a pathfinder for other future missions to the moon with the crew. Rocket Lab took to Twitter to announce that it has delayed the launch of CAPSTONE by a single day and is now targeting June 28 for it. With live coverage on NASA Television, the launch will take place from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula. Going to the Moon is no small feat. Our team has been working on the historic #CAPSTONE mission for more than 2 years, developing innovative tech to help us explore the Moon and beyond with small sats. Here's just a tiny glimpse of our incredible people behind the mission. pic.twitter.com/2QHP65dNQ9 — Rocket Lab (@RocketLab) June 26, 2022 × The spacecraft, which will arrive near rectilinear halo orbit (NRHO) on November 13, has been designed and built by Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems. The project, which has been funded by NASA’s Small Business Technology Transfer programme, could help improve the efficiency of solar cells for space missions and use on Earth. Also read | Historic: NASA’s first-ever commercial launch outside United States This is the first spacecraft to test the stability of the new orbit NRHO around the moon and is crucial as the pull of gravity from the earth and the moon interact in this spot in space to allow for a nearly-stable orbit. The unique type of orbit will be used by NASA for parking its lunar-orbiting space station Gateway as part of its Artemis programme that is scheduled to take two astronauts to the lunar South Pole in 2024-25 and construct a lunar base. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

NASA's CAPSTONE to become first spacecraft to fly specific unique lunar orbit

On Friday, a wayward rocket stage is due to hit the moon and scientists are preparing to study the impact.

It is expected that the rocket stage will collide with Hertzsprung Crater at 7:25 am EST (1225 GMT) on Friday, March 4.

According to Space.com, the Goldstone Solar System Radar near Barstow, California, will monitor the object.

Similarly, NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) will look for the effects of the crash on the Moon's exosphere - a thin gaseous layer - and later scan the lunar surface for impact craters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/artemis-nasas-crewed-mission-delayed-till-2026-458714" hreflang="en">Artemis: NASA's crewed mission delayed till 2026</a>

Bill Gray, an astronomer with Project Pluto, first reported the doomed debris. Gray initially claimed that the debris was from Elon Musk's SpaceX rocket, but later predicted that the object was a leftover piece of a Chinese rocket, specifically a Long March 3C that launched China's Chang'e 5-T1 moon mission.

However, China's foreign ministry rejected the claim.

The tumbling rocket body that is moving at more than 5,500 mph (2.5km per second) will plough into the moon's surface at an angle, scattering debris and creating a crater that will measure 20 to 30 metres in diameter (65&nbsp;to 100ft).

The crash will be similar to those that occurred during the Apollo program when the third stages of Saturn V rockets were intentionally steered into the moon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-a-u-turn-scientists-say-black-hole-on-our-cosmic-doorstep-does-not-exist-458308" hreflang="en">In a U-turn, scientists say black hole on our cosmic doorstep does not exist</a>

Applied Physics Laboratory of Johns Hopkins University in Maryland planetary scientist Jeffrey Plescia explained that moon-smacking projectiles are more or less tin cans in both cases.

"The result is that a lot of the energy goes into crushing the projectile rather than excavating the crater," Plescia was quoted as saying to Inside Outer Space.

Plescia noted that Saturn V's third stages formed craters that are shallower than natural craters and have an asymmetric shape, due mostly to low impact angles.

Watch |&nbsp;Report: A rocket launched by Elon Musk's SpaceX in 2015 is all set to hit the Moon in early March

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He explained that pre-impact images have already been taken by LRO's powerful camera system, so crater depth and other crash characteristics will be more reliably measured for the March 4 crash.

"The only uncertainty at the moment is the orientation of the booster with respect to the trajectory. It is spinning, but whether it is just turning in rotisserie mode or tumbling is not clear," Plescia said. "I would hope the Chinese actually know this and would be forthcoming."

(With inputs from agencies)

On Friday, a wayward rocket stage is due to hit the moon and scientists are preparing to study the impact. It is expected that the rocket stage will collide with Hertzsprung Crater at 7:25 am EST (1225 GMT) on Friday, March 4.

On Friday, a wayward rocket stage is due to hit the moon and scientists are preparing to study the impact. It is expected that the rocket stage will collide with Hertzsprung Crater at 7:25 am EST (1225 GMT) on Friday, March 4. According to Space.com, the Goldstone Solar System Radar near Barstow, California, will monitor the object. Similarly, NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) will look for the effects of the crash on the Moon's exosphere - a thin gaseous layer - and later scan the lunar surface for impact craters. Also read | Artemis: NASA's crewed mission delayed till 2026 Bill Gray, an astronomer with Project Pluto, first reported the doomed debris. Gray initially claimed that the debris was from Elon Musk's SpaceX rocket, but later predicted that the object was a leftover piece of a Chinese rocket, specifically a Long March 3C that launched China's Chang'e 5-T1 moon mission. However, China's foreign ministry rejected the claim. The tumbling rocket body that is moving at more than 5,500 mph (2.5km per second) will plough into the moon's surface at an angle, scattering debris and creating a crater that will measure 20 to 30 metres in diameter (65 to 100ft). The crash will be similar to those that occurred during the Apollo program when the third stages of Saturn V rockets were intentionally steered into the moon. Also read | In a U-turn, scientists say black hole on our cosmic doorstep does not exist Applied Physics Laboratory of Johns Hopkins University in Maryland planetary scientist Jeffrey Plescia explained that moon-smacking projectiles are more or less tin cans in both cases. "The result is that a lot of the energy goes into crushing the projectile rather than excavating the crater," Plescia was quoted as saying to Inside Outer Space. Plescia noted that Saturn V's third stages formed craters that are shallower than natural craters and have an asymmetric shape, due mostly to low impact angles. Watch | Report: A rocket launched by Elon Musk's SpaceX in 2015 is all set to hit the Moon in early March He explained that pre-impact images have already been taken by LRO's powerful camera system, so crater depth and other crash characteristics will be more reliably measured for the March 4 crash. "The only uncertainty at the moment is the orientation of the booster with respect to the trajectory. It is spinning, but whether it is just turning in rotisserie mode or tumbling is not clear," Plescia said. "I would hope the Chinese actually know this and would be forthcoming." (With inputs from agencies)

Today, space debris will crash into the moon, and scientists don't have any plans to stop it

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to launch its third Lunar exploration mission Chandrayaan-3. In a written reply, India's Minister of State for Science and Technology informed the parliament about the mission's timeline.

India reveals timeline for its third Lunar mission 'Chandrayaan-3'

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to launch its third Lunar exploration mission Chandrayaan-3. The mission will be launched in August 2022. India's Minister of State for Science and Technology told this to the Indian Parliament in a written reply. He was responding to a question about the status of the mission.

He said that realisation of Chandrayaan-3 is in progress based on analysis of learnings from Chandrayaan-2 mission.

"Many related hardware and their special tests are successfully completed, the Launch is scheduled for August 2022" he added. 
&nbsp; 
Following a lull in launch activity during two years of the pandemic, India has now planned for 19 missions in calendar year of 2022. The minister said that these would include eight launch vehicle missions, seven spacecraft (satellite) missions and four technology demonstration missions.

Notably, in a recent webinar, DR AS Kiran Kumar, former chairman of ISRO had explained that Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 and is meant to demonstrate lunar landing and roving capability. He said that the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft would consist of a lander and rover carried on a propulsion module. He also added that the factors that led to unsuccessful Lunar landing of the Chandrayaan-2 lander were being taken care of in the latest mission.

About scientific payloads that are being carried on-board the lander and rover, he said, "The payloads on lander are Langmuir probe, Chandra's Surface Thermo Physical Experiment (ChaSTE) and Instrument for Lunar seismic activity (ILSA). The rover payloads are Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown spectroscope (LIBS)."

The former Chairman also elaborated that the Chandrayaan-3 lander is planned to perform an in-situ ChaSTE experiment of surface and sub-surface measurements of temperature.

It is meant to help understand the thermal exchange and physical properties of the uppermost Lunar soil. A thermal probe of 10cm length would be deployed on the Lunar surface to perform the experiment. On the uniqueness of the mission, he said that it was the only instrument in contact with Lunar surface/ subsurface and that is was the first-ever in-situ thermal measurement of the Lunar High Altitude region.

India's Lunar exploration journey began with a maiden mission Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and a second mission in 2019. While the 2008 mission was a success, the 2019 mission Chandrayaan-2 failed to land successfully on the Lunar surface. As of today, only an orbiter from this mission continues to circle the moon and is expected to perform remote sensing and mapping operations and relay the data back to earth for the next few years. However, the lander and the rover it contained perished on impact with the lunar surface, after the crash landing.

Around 2024-25, India and Japan are expected to launch a joint Lunar mission dubbed as 'LUPEX' or Lunar Polar Exploration Mission. This probe is meant to land at the Lunar South pole with a rover that weighs upto 350kg.&nbsp;

This rover is expected to carry science experiments made by Indian and Japanese teams and conduct in-situ sample analysis. This mission is expected to have a life of upto 6 months. The details regarding this mission that is in the planning stage were revealed by Dr Kiran Kumar, in the webinar.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to launch its third Lunar exploration mission Chandrayaan-3. The mission will be launched in August 2022.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to launch its third Lunar exploration mission Chandrayaan-3. The mission will be launched in August 2022. India's Minister of State for Science and Technology told this to the Indian Parliament in a written reply. He was responding to a question about the status of the mission. He said that realisation of Chandrayaan-3 is in progress based on analysis of learnings from Chandrayaan-2 mission. "Many related hardware and their special tests are successfully completed, the Launch is scheduled for August 2022" he added. Following a lull in launch activity during two years of the pandemic, India has now planned for 19 missions in calendar year of 2022. The minister said that these would include eight launch vehicle missions, seven spacecraft (satellite) missions and four technology demonstration missions. Notably, in a recent webinar, DR AS Kiran Kumar, former chairman of ISRO had explained that Chandrayaan-3 is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 and is meant to demonstrate lunar landing and roving capability. He said that the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft would consist of a lander and rover carried on a propulsion module. He also added that the factors that led to unsuccessful Lunar landing of the Chandrayaan-2 lander were being taken care of in the latest mission. About scientific payloads that are being carried on-board the lander and rover, he said, "The payloads on lander are Langmuir probe, Chandra's Surface Thermo Physical Experiment (ChaSTE) and Instrument for Lunar seismic activity (ILSA). The rover payloads are Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown spectroscope (LIBS)." The former Chairman also elaborated that the Chandrayaan-3 lander is planned to perform an in-situ ChaSTE experiment of surface and sub-surface measurements of temperature. It is meant to help understand the thermal exchange and physical properties of the uppermost Lunar soil. A thermal probe of 10cm length would be deployed on the Lunar surface to perform the experiment. On the uniqueness of the mission, he said that it was the only instrument in contact with Lunar surface/ subsurface and that is was the first-ever in-situ thermal measurement of the Lunar High Altitude region. India's Lunar exploration journey began with a maiden mission Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and a second mission in 2019. While the 2008 mission was a success, the 2019 mission Chandrayaan-2 failed to land successfully on the Lunar surface. As of today, only an orbiter from this mission continues to circle the moon and is expected to perform remote sensing and mapping operations and relay the data back to earth for the next few years. However, the lander and the rover it contained perished on impact with the lunar surface, after the crash landing. Around 2024-25, India and Japan are expected to launch a joint Lunar mission dubbed as 'LUPEX' or Lunar Polar Exploration Mission. This probe is meant to land at the Lunar South pole with a rover that weighs upto 350kg. This rover is expected to carry science experiments made by Indian and Japanese teams and conduct in-situ sample analysis. This mission is expected to have a life of upto 6 months. The details regarding this mission that is in the planning stage were revealed by Dr Kiran Kumar, in the webinar.

India's third Lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 slated for August 2022 launch

1.97 billion years ago, lava was still flowing on the Moon's surface, and now there is proof in the form of rocks.

According to a report published in 'Science', an international team of planetary scientists and researchers from China, Australia, Sweden and the United States has arrived at this discovery.&nbsp;In order to reach this conclusion, they studied samples collected by the Chinese National Space Agency during the Chang'e-5 mission.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/samples-brought-from-chinas-moon-trip-indicate-recent-volcanic-activity-419043">Samples brought from China's moon trip indicate recent volcanic activity</a>

Chang'e-5 was an unmanned mission consisting of a robotic lander that landed on the near side of the moon (the side facing Earth) in December 2020.

One of the mission goals of Chang'e-5 was to look for evidence of the moon's youngest volcanic eruptions.

1.7 kilograms of lunar rocks were returned to Earth, the first samples from the Moon collected since 1976 with the Soviet Union's Luna 24 mission.

The number of impact craters on the lunar surface has previously been used to predict the age of volcanic rocks on the Moon, but it is impossible to confirm without samples to examine.

At the Shrimp centre in Beijing, China, the samples were analyzed using a sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe instrument. Following analysis,&nbsp;scientists determined that these lava eruptions are 1.97 billion years old, which is a billion years younger than previously dated lava from the Moon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mars-moon-or-potato-nasa-shares-image-of-phobos-the-largest-of-mars-two-raggedy-moons-397964">Mars' moon or potato? NASA shares image of ‘Phobos’, the largest of Mars' two raggedy moons</a>

This has presented a new scientific mystery.

Volcanic eruptions are caused by molten material generated by heat inside a planet.&nbsp;For a moon-sized planet, the heat would have been dissipated long before these eruptions 2 billion years ago.

The question that arises is how a small planetary body like the Moon, which was formed 4.5 billion years ago, could have retained enough interior heat to continue producing volcanic eruptions 2.5 billion years after it was formed.

During the Moon's geological history, the surface of the Moon experienced many volcanic eruptions that formed large sheets of basaltic rock known as the lunar mare. They appear as dark patches on a lunar surface.

However, most of the volcanic activity took place between 3 billion and 4 billion years ago. Based on the age of rock samples from the Apollo and Luna missions, as well as meteorites originating from the Moon, scientists have confirmed this.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-asteroid-moon-crash-spacecraft-earth-418527">NASA to crash spacecraft into asteroid's moon to save Earth</a>

So, what is&nbsp;going on?&nbsp;Scientists have a few theories

Although scientists have previously proposed that the high concentration of radioactive elements found inside the lunar interior may have contributed to the melting of rocky stone, the composition of these samples indicates this was not the cause of the melt.

Tidal heating could also have played a role, in which heat is generated in the Moon's interior due to the stretching and squeezing caused by the gravitational interaction between the Moon, Sun and Earth.

Another possibility is that the composition of the mantle of the Moon contributed to a lower melting temperature, explaining how molten material formed.

1.97 billion years ago, lava was still flowing on the Moon's surface, and now there is proof in the form of rocks. According to a report published in 'Science', an international team of planetary scientists and researchers from China, Australia, Sweden and the United States has arrived at this discovery.

1.97 billion years ago, lava was still flowing on the Moon's surface, and now there is proof in the form of rocks. According to a report published in 'Science', an international team of planetary scientists and researchers from China, Australia, Sweden and the United States has arrived at this discovery. In order to reach this conclusion, they studied samples collected by the Chinese National Space Agency during the Chang'e-5 mission. Also read | Samples brought from China's moon trip indicate recent volcanic activity Chang'e-5 was an unmanned mission consisting of a robotic lander that landed on the near side of the moon (the side facing Earth) in December 2020. One of the mission goals of Chang'e-5 was to look for evidence of the moon's youngest volcanic eruptions. 1.7 kilograms of lunar rocks were returned to Earth, the first samples from the Moon collected since 1976 with the Soviet Union's Luna 24 mission. The number of impact craters on the lunar surface has previously been used to predict the age of volcanic rocks on the Moon, but it is impossible to confirm without samples to examine. At the Shrimp centre in Beijing, China, the samples were analyzed using a sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe instrument. Following analysis, scientists determined that these lava eruptions are 1.97 billion years old, which is a billion years younger than previously dated lava from the Moon. Also read | Mars' moon or potato? NASA shares image of ‘Phobos’, the largest of Mars' two raggedy moons This has presented a new scientific mystery. Volcanic eruptions are caused by molten material generated by heat inside a planet. For a moon-sized planet, the heat would have been dissipated long before these eruptions 2 billion years ago. The question that arises is how a small planetary body like the Moon, which was formed 4.5 billion years ago, could have retained enough interior heat to continue producing volcanic eruptions 2.5 billion years after it was formed. During the Moon's geological history, the surface of the Moon experienced many volcanic eruptions that formed large sheets of basaltic rock known as the lunar mare. They appear as dark patches on a lunar surface. However, most of the volcanic activity took place between 3 billion and 4 billion years ago. Based on the age of rock samples from the Apollo and Luna missions, as well as meteorites originating from the Moon, scientists have confirmed this. Also read | NASA to crash spacecraft into asteroid's moon to save Earth So, what is going on? Scientists have a few theories Although scientists have previously proposed that the high concentration of radioactive elements found inside the lunar interior may have contributed to the melting of rocky stone, the composition of these samples indicates this was not the cause of the melt. Tidal heating could also have played a role, in which heat is generated in the Moon's interior due to the stretching and squeezing caused by the gravitational interaction between the Moon, Sun and Earth. Another possibility is that the composition of the mantle of the Moon contributed to a lower melting temperature, explaining how molten material formed.

What is the significance of Chang'e-5 less than 2 billion years old lunar samples?

An amount of just one dollar will be given by NASA to various private space companies to collect rocks from the Moon.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Lunar Outpost was given the contract to collect samples for NASA.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-hubble-space-telescope-captures-cosmic-cinnamon-bun-344894">NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captures 'cosmic cinnamon bun'</a>

The contract was part of NASA's low-cost lunar resource collection programme for which four contracts will be awarded.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-resolves-the-mystery-of-blue-ring-nebula-reveal-stellar-missing-link-344087">NASA resolves the mystery of Blue Ring Nebula, reveal stellar missing link</a>

California-based Masten Space Systems and Tokyo-based ispace, and its European subsidiary are the other organisations that won the contract.&nbsp;

The US space agency will be paying for collections of lunar regolith, or moon soil, between 50 and 500 grams in weight, as reported by The BBC.&nbsp;

"The companies will collect the samples and then provide us with visual evidence and other data that they've been collected," a NASA spokesperson said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nasas-dirt-cheap-deal-for-moon-dirt-347602">WATCH|</a>

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Lunar Outpost CEO Justin Cyrus told the BBC said that the contract is for a 2023 mission, but they are in talks with different lander companies, that may lead to an earlier launch date. &nbsp;

The company will be paid one dollar for bringing moon rocks from the lunar South Pole.&nbsp;

Interestingly, the amount of one dollar will also be paid in instalments, which is divided into 10 per cent when the contract is awarded, further 10 per cent when the spacecraft is launched for the project and remaining 80 per cent when the NASA verifies the rocks.&nbsp;

However, the nominal amount is not the motivation behind this program for companies.&nbsp;

The mission opens the door of extracting resources outside the earth.&nbsp;

"The innovation here is not of financial value but of creating business and legal norms of creating a market of buyers and sellers outside of Earth's constraints," said Sinead O'Sullivan, a space expert.

An amount of just one dollar will be given by NASA to various private space companies to collect rocks from the Moon. On Thursday, Lunar Outpost was given the contract to collect samples for NASA.

An amount of just one dollar will be given by NASA to various private space companies to collect rocks from the Moon. On Thursday, Lunar Outpost was given the contract to collect samples for NASA. Also read | NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captures 'cosmic cinnamon bun' The contract was part of NASA's low-cost lunar resource collection programme for which four contracts will be awarded. Also read | NASA resolves the mystery of Blue Ring Nebula, reveal stellar missing link California-based Masten Space Systems and Tokyo-based ispace, and its European subsidiary are the other organisations that won the contract. The US space agency will be paying for collections of lunar regolith, or moon soil, between 50 and 500 grams in weight, as reported by The BBC. "The companies will collect the samples and then provide us with visual evidence and other data that they've been collected," a NASA spokesperson said. WATCH| × Lunar Outpost CEO Justin Cyrus told the BBC said that the contract is for a 2023 mission, but they are in talks with different lander companies, that may lead to an earlier launch date. The company will be paid one dollar for bringing moon rocks from the lunar South Pole. Interestingly, the amount of one dollar will also be paid in instalments, which is divided into 10 per cent when the contract is awarded, further 10 per cent when the spacecraft is launched for the project and remaining 80 per cent when the NASA verifies the rocks. However, the nominal amount is not the motivation behind this program for companies. The mission opens the door of extracting resources outside the earth. "The innovation here is not of financial value but of creating business and legal norms of creating a market of buyers and sellers outside of Earth's constraints," said Sinead O'Sullivan, a space expert.

$1 for collecting moon rocks: NASA awards contract for bringing lunar samples

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has shared news of "exciting new discovery" about the moon on Twitter and revealed it will hold a media conference onboard it’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) on Monday (October 26) to disclose the findings.

The new results are courtesy of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). It's the world's largest airborne observatory and is actually a Boeing 747SP plane with a hole cut out in it, modified to carry a large reflecting telescope.&nbsp;

"Mark your calendars: We will be revealing a new discovery about the surface of the Moon from our airborne SOFIATelescope observatory, and YOU are invited," it wrote on Twitter.

"Pencil us in for 12 pm ET on Monday, Oct. 26!

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🗓️ Mark your calendars: We will be revealing a new discovery about the surface of the Moon from our airborne <a href="https://twitter.com/SOFIAtelescope?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SOFIATelescope</a> observatory, and YOU are invited. 
 
✏️ Pencil us in for 12pm ET on Monday, Oct. 26! To participate: <a href="https://t.co/gzfTK43snB">https://t.co/gzfTK43snB</a> <a href="https://t.co/HHNXOAYfMh">pic.twitter.com/HHNXOAYfMh</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1319072983630123008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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According to NASA's press release, "This new discovery contributes to NASA’s efforts to learn about the Moon in support of deep space exploration. Under NASA’s Artemis program, the agency will send the first woman and next man to the lunar surface in 2024 to prepare for our next giant leap – the human exploration of Mars as early as the 2030s. Understanding the science of the Moon also helps piece together the broader history of the inner solar system."

(With inputs from agencies)

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has shared news of "exciting new discovery" about the moon on Twitter and revealed it will hold a media conference onboard it’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) on Monday (October 26) to disclose the findings.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has shared news of "exciting new discovery" about the moon on Twitter and revealed it will hold a media conference onboard it’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) on Monday (October 26) to disclose the findings. The new results are courtesy of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). It's the world's largest airborne observatory and is actually a Boeing 747SP plane with a hole cut out in it, modified to carry a large reflecting telescope. "Mark your calendars: We will be revealing a new discovery about the surface of the Moon from our airborne SOFIATelescope observatory, and YOU are invited," it wrote on Twitter. "Pencil us in for 12 pm ET on Monday, Oct. 26! 🗓️ Mark your calendars: We will be revealing a new discovery about the surface of the Moon from our airborne @SOFIATelescope observatory, and YOU are invited. ✏️ Pencil us in for 12pm ET on Monday, Oct. 26! To participate: https://t.co/gzfTK43snB pic.twitter.com/HHNXOAYfMh — NASA (@NASA) October 22, 2020 × According to NASA's press release, "This new discovery contributes to NASA’s efforts to learn about the Moon in support of deep space exploration. Under NASA’s Artemis program, the agency will send the first woman and next man to the lunar surface in 2024 to prepare for our next giant leap – the human exploration of Mars as early as the 2030s. Understanding the science of the Moon also helps piece together the broader history of the inner solar system." (With inputs from agencies)

NASA to announce an 'exciting new discovery about the moon' 

Researchers have developed a process to make bricks on the moon for habitation.

The research was led by a team of scientists from the premier Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the state-run Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The Indian space agency launched two unmanned missions to the moon in 2008 and 2019 as part of its inter-planetary exploration to study the earth's natural satellite, though it failed to land on the lunar surface.

The making of space bricks brings biology and mechanical engineering together and using them to assemble structure for habitation on the moon's surface.

As guar gum is used instead of cement for structures, space bricks will also lower carbon footprint in the lunar atmosphere.

Since micro-organisms produce minerals through metabolism, one bacterium called 'sporosarcina pasteurii' can be used to form calcium carbonate crystals through a metabolic pathway called the ureolytic cycle.

The team mixed the bacteria with a simulant of lunar soil and added urea and calcium with gum extracted from guar beans to increase the strength of the material for carbonate precipitation. The product after a few days of incubation was strong and resilient.

The expertise can also be used to make interlocking structures for construction on the moon without additional fastening mechanism.

The scientists also plan to enhance the strength of the bricks and test them under varied loading conditions like impacts and possibly moonquakes.

Researchers have developed a process to make bricks on the moon for habitation. The research was led by a team of scientists from the premier Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the state-run Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Researchers have developed a process to make bricks on the moon for habitation. The research was led by a team of scientists from the premier Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the state-run Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The Indian space agency launched two unmanned missions to the moon in 2008 and 2019 as part of its inter-planetary exploration to study the earth's natural satellite, though it failed to land on the lunar surface. The making of space bricks brings biology and mechanical engineering together and using them to assemble structure for habitation on the moon's surface. As guar gum is used instead of cement for structures, space bricks will also lower carbon footprint in the lunar atmosphere. Since micro-organisms produce minerals through metabolism, one bacterium called 'sporosarcina pasteurii' can be used to form calcium carbonate crystals through a metabolic pathway called the ureolytic cycle. The team mixed the bacteria with a simulant of lunar soil and added urea and calcium with gum extracted from guar beans to increase the strength of the material for carbonate precipitation. The product after a few days of incubation was strong and resilient. The expertise can also be used to make interlocking structures for construction on the moon without additional fastening mechanism. The scientists also plan to enhance the strength of the bricks and test them under varied loading conditions like impacts and possibly moonquakes.

Indian scientists develop space bricks for lunar habitation

NASA has chosen four US small businesses to develop a range of technologies for sustainable exploration of the Moon under the Artemis programme.

The said programme aims to land the first woman and next man on the lunar surface in 2024.

NASA's small business programme will award the companies with follow-on funds with an expected combined value of approximately $17 million, and will accelerate the development of lunar technologies relevant to Artemis.

The selected companies and technologies include Fibertek of Herndon, Virginia, which will advance optical communications technologies for small spacecraft around the Moon and beyond. The system could establish high bandwidth communications in the vicinity of the Moon to relay vast amounts of data from lunar landers to Earth.

Qualtech Systems of Rocky Hill, Connecticut, will mature autonomous systems capable of continuously monitoring and providing fault and health management for spacecraft such as Gateway, a future outpost around the Moon, whether there are astronauts aboard or not.

Another company selected by NASA is Pioneer Astronautics of Lakewood, Colorado, which will build and demonstrate hardware to produce oxygen and steel from lunar regolith, or soil.

Protoinnovations of Pittsburgh will advance traction control and improve the driving ability of robotic and crewed rovers in unknown and highly variable terrain on the Moon.

NASA has chosen four US small businesses to develop a range of technologies for sustainable exploration of the Moon under the Artemis programme. The said programme aims to land the first woman and next man on the lunar surface in 2024.

NASA has chosen four US small businesses to develop a range of technologies for sustainable exploration of the Moon under the Artemis programme. The said programme aims to land the first woman and next man on the lunar surface in 2024. NASA's small business programme will award the companies with follow-on funds with an expected combined value of approximately $17 million, and will accelerate the development of lunar technologies relevant to Artemis. The selected companies and technologies include Fibertek of Herndon, Virginia, which will advance optical communications technologies for small spacecraft around the Moon and beyond. The system could establish high bandwidth communications in the vicinity of the Moon to relay vast amounts of data from lunar landers to Earth. Qualtech Systems of Rocky Hill, Connecticut, will mature autonomous systems capable of continuously monitoring and providing fault and health management for spacecraft such as Gateway, a future outpost around the Moon, whether there are astronauts aboard or not. Another company selected by NASA is Pioneer Astronautics of Lakewood, Colorado, which will build and demonstrate hardware to produce oxygen and steel from lunar regolith, or soil. Protoinnovations of Pittsburgh will advance traction control and improve the driving ability of robotic and crewed rovers in unknown and highly variable terrain on the Moon.

NASA picks four US small businesses to build Artemis lunar tech

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman K Sivan on Saturday said Chandrayaan-2 is not the end of the country`s efforts to land on the moon and that the organisation is working on a second landing that it will accomplish in the near future.

K Sivan said this while addressing students and faculty of IIT Delhi on their 50th convocation, where he was invited as the chief guest.

"ISRO will pull all its experience, knowledge and technical prowess to set things right and demonstrate soft landing in the near future," the ISRO chairman said.

"And Chandrayaan-2 is not the end of the story. Our plans on Aditya L1 solar mission, human spaceflight programme are on track. A large number of advance satellite launches are planned in the coming months," he said.

An alumnus of IIT Bombay, K Sivan said, "From my own personal experience, I can say that IITs are the holy grail of technical education in India. And I am sure that you all will continue the glorious tradition of Delhi as well as that of IIT-ans who have excelled in every field they have worked.&nbsp;

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman K Sivan on Saturday said Chandrayaan-2 is not the end of the country`s efforts to land on the moon and that the organisation is working on a second landing that it will accomplish in the near future.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman K Sivan on Saturday said Chandrayaan-2 is not the end of the country`s efforts to land on the moon and that the organisation is working on a second landing that it will accomplish in the near future. K Sivan said this while addressing students and faculty of IIT Delhi on their 50th convocation, where he was invited as the chief guest. "ISRO will pull all its experience, knowledge and technical prowess to set things right and demonstrate soft landing in the near future," the ISRO chairman said. "And Chandrayaan-2 is not the end of the story. Our plans on Aditya L1 solar mission, human spaceflight programme are on track. A large number of advance satellite launches are planned in the coming months," he said. An alumnus of IIT Bombay, K Sivan said, "From my own personal experience, I can say that IITs are the holy grail of technical education in India. And I am sure that you all will continue the glorious tradition of Delhi as well as that of IIT-ans who have excelled in every field they have worked.

Chandrayaan-2 not the end, ISRO will pull off soft landing in near future: K Sivan

WION Exclusively speaks to Georgina Kramer & Ramesh Kapoor who both are Science Experts.

WION Exclusive | In conversation with Georgina Kramer & Ramesh Kapoor, Science Experts

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-a-milestone-for-the-entire-world-former-nasa-astronaut-247874">India's ambitious lunar mission Chandrayaan-2</a> is scheduled to make a soft landing on the surface of the moon on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday between 1:30 am to 2:30 am.

This will be followed by the Rover roll out between 5:30 am to 6:30 am, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) stated.

The second de-orbiting maneuver for Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft was performed successfully in the wee hours of Wednesday.

"The maneuver was performed successfully today (September 04, 2019) beginning at 0342 hours Indian Standard Time (IST) as planned, using the onboard propulsion system," the space agency said in a statement.

The duration of the maneuver was 9 seconds and the orbit of Vikram Lander is 35 km x 101 km.

Watch: Chandrayaan-2 completes second maneuver, Vikram lander ready for descent

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be at the ISRO around midnight to watch the event.

Over 60 high school students across the country who cleared an online space quiz last month will watch the soft landing of the mission with the Prime Minister.

The Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft will be the first Indian expedition to carry out a soft landing on the lunar surface.

This mission will make India the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to conduct a soft landing on the moon.

After revolving around the Earth's orbit for nearly 23 days, the craft began its journey to the moon on August 14.

The mission took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 22.

India's second mission to the moon was approved by the cabinet in September 2008, just before the launch of Chandrayaan 1.&nbsp;

India's ambitious lunar mission Chandrayaan-2 is scheduled to make a soft landing on the surface of the moon on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday between 1:30 am to 2:30 am.

India's ambitious lunar mission Chandrayaan-2 is scheduled to make a soft landing on the surface of the moon on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday between 1:30 am to 2:30 am. This will be followed by the Rover roll out between 5:30 am to 6:30 am, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) stated. The second de-orbiting maneuver for Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft was performed successfully in the wee hours of Wednesday. "The maneuver was performed successfully today (September 04, 2019) beginning at 0342 hours Indian Standard Time (IST) as planned, using the onboard propulsion system," the space agency said in a statement. The duration of the maneuver was 9 seconds and the orbit of Vikram Lander is 35 km x 101 km. Watch: Chandrayaan-2 completes second maneuver, Vikram lander ready for descent × Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be at the ISRO around midnight to watch the event. Over 60 high school students across the country who cleared an online space quiz last month will watch the soft landing of the mission with the Prime Minister. The Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft will be the first Indian expedition to carry out a soft landing on the lunar surface. This mission will make India the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to conduct a soft landing on the moon. After revolving around the Earth's orbit for nearly 23 days, the craft began its journey to the moon on August 14. The mission took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 22. India's second mission to the moon was approved by the cabinet in September 2008, just before the launch of Chandrayaan 1.

All eyes on India's ambitious lunar mission Chandrayaan-2; touchdown tonight

Cricketing legends, including Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir on Monday, congratulated ISRO on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-moon-mission-chandrayaan-2-successfully-launched-as-india-takes-a-giant-leap-237666">successful launch of India's indigenous moon mission</a>, Chandrayaan-2 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh.

Former India destructive batsman Sehwag in a tweet praised the team of Chandrayaan-2, saying, "Many congratulations to Team #Chandrayaan2 @isro for the successful and seamless launch!"

Gambhir, the East Delhi MP and former India cricketer, said that the successful launch of Chandrayaan-2 will motivate the next generation to help India's space exploration programme.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cantwaittoseewhatyoudonext-us-congratulates-isro-on-chandrayaan-2-launch-237673">US congratulates ISRO on Chandrayaan-2 launch</a>

"I always looked up at the moon as a child, wondering what secrets it's hiding. The successful launch of #Chandrayaan2 will shed some light on these secrets, &amp; motivate the next gen to help India's space exploration programme. I congratulate everyone at @ISRO for this success," Gambhir said.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli took to Twitter and wrote, "Another historic and proud moment for the nation as the #Chandrayaan 2 is launched Jai Hind #ISRO #IndiaMoonMission."

Dhawan, who was part of the Indian World Cup team, said it is a historic moment for India and congratulated ISRO team for the successful launch of Chandrayaan2.

"Indeed a historic moment for India. Congratulations to all the members of @isro for successfully launching #Chandrayaan2," Dhawan tweeted.

Mohammad Kaif, the former India cricketer, said that it is a proud moment for the nation."What a beautiful sight. Proud moment for the nation on the launch of #Chandrayaan2 @isro," Kaif said.

Former India cricketer VVS Laxman congratulated ISRO and termed the launch as exemplary."Exemplary! Many congratulations to @isro on the successful launch of #Chandrayaan2," Laxman tweeted.

India batsman Suresh Raina in a tweet called the move is historic."This is HISTORIC! Propelling a billion dreams into the sky. What a proud moment for #Chandrayaan2," Raina said.

Watch: India's moon mission lifts off, hopes to probe lunar south pole

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Former Indian Premier League (IPL) Chairman Rajiv Shukla said the most powerful rocket is carrying India's dream to the moon.

"Billions of eyes will gaze at the sky and hearts beat in prayers, as #Chandrayan2 takes off from Sriharikota in few minutes. The most powerful rocket will carry the Indian dream to Moon for the second time. Best of Luck @isro. Wish you great success for this mission," Shukla said.

Indian Football Team replied to ISRO's tweet with the emojis and praised the launch.

The spacecraft took off at 2.43 pm, exactly a week after the mission was aborted after a technical snag was detected less than an hour before the launch.

Cricketing legends, including Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir on Monday, congratulated ISRO on the successful launch of India's indigenous moon mission, Chandrayaan-2 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh.

Cricketing legends, including Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir on Monday, congratulated ISRO on the successful launch of India's indigenous moon mission, Chandrayaan-2 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. Former India destructive batsman Sehwag in a tweet praised the team of Chandrayaan-2, saying, "Many congratulations to Team #Chandrayaan2 @isro for the successful and seamless launch!" Gambhir, the East Delhi MP and former India cricketer, said that the successful launch of Chandrayaan-2 will motivate the next generation to help India's space exploration programme. Also Read: US congratulates ISRO on Chandrayaan-2 launch "I always looked up at the moon as a child, wondering what secrets it's hiding. The successful launch of #Chandrayaan2 will shed some light on these secrets, & motivate the next gen to help India's space exploration programme. I congratulate everyone at @ISRO for this success," Gambhir said. Indian skipper Virat Kohli took to Twitter and wrote, "Another historic and proud moment for the nation as the #Chandrayaan 2 is launched Jai Hind #ISRO #IndiaMoonMission." Dhawan, who was part of the Indian World Cup team, said it is a historic moment for India and congratulated ISRO team for the successful launch of Chandrayaan2. "Indeed a historic moment for India. Congratulations to all the members of @isro for successfully launching #Chandrayaan2," Dhawan tweeted. Mohammad Kaif, the former India cricketer, said that it is a proud moment for the nation."What a beautiful sight. Proud moment for the nation on the launch of #Chandrayaan2 @isro," Kaif said. Former India cricketer VVS Laxman congratulated ISRO and termed the launch as exemplary."Exemplary! Many congratulations to @isro on the successful launch of #Chandrayaan2," Laxman tweeted. India batsman Suresh Raina in a tweet called the move is historic."This is HISTORIC! Propelling a billion dreams into the sky. What a proud moment for #Chandrayaan2," Raina said. Watch: India's moon mission lifts off, hopes to probe lunar south pole × Former Indian Premier League (IPL) Chairman Rajiv Shukla said the most powerful rocket is carrying India's dream to the moon. "Billions of eyes will gaze at the sky and hearts beat in prayers, as #Chandrayan2 takes off from Sriharikota in few minutes. The most powerful rocket will carry the Indian dream to Moon for the second time. Best of Luck @isro. Wish you great success for this mission," Shukla said. Indian Football Team replied to ISRO's tweet with the emojis and praised the launch. The spacecraft took off at 2.43 pm, exactly a week after the mission was aborted after a technical snag was detected less than an hour before the launch.

Cricketers congratulate ISRO on launch of Chandrayaan-2

India Is Gearing For Its Grand Lunar Mission, Chandrayaan-2. The Ambitious Project Is Scheduled To Be Launched On July 15. It's India's Second Jaunt To The Moon. India's Grand Lunar Mission, Chandrayaan-2 Will Be Launched On July 15. Here's All You Need To Know After India's Ambitious Moon Mission.

Gravitas: Chandrayaan-2 : India's Second Jaunt To The Moon

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-releases-first-pictures-of-chandrayaan-2-set-to-launched-in-july-226446">India's second mission to the moon, Chandrayaan-II</a>, will be launched on July 15 at 2.51 am, ISRO chairman K Sivan said here on Wednesday.

"In future, the nation will depend more on planetary missions. After Chandrayaan I mission, we are now entering into Chandrayaan II mission. We had slipped many times but now it will be launched on July 15 at 2.51 am," he told a press conference.&nbsp;

"The day we are going to land is either September 6 or September 7, that day happens to be the beginning of a lunar day. For one full lunar day, the lander and rover will be functioning and carry out scientific experiments," he added.

Chandryaan-2 will explore a region of moon where no mission has ever set foot. The ISRO chief said the landing site, at about 70 degrees south latitude, is the southernmost for any mission till date. No country has attempted this before.

"The cost of Chandrayaan II Mission, mainly the satellite portion, including the support from foreign agencies as well as for navigation purpose, is Rs. 603 crore," he said.&nbsp;

Watch: ISRO announces Chandrayaan-2 launch on July 15th

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Sivan said that it will be launched using Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III). Chandrayaan-II consists of an orbiter, a lander and a rover together referred to as "composite body". The total mass of Chandrayaan 2 system is 3.8 ton; out of 3.8 ton, nearly 1.3 ton is the propeller. "Within 15 minutes GSLV Mk III will inject the composite body in the extrinsic orbit," he said.&nbsp;

During the next 16 days, there will be five burns using propellants. He said that the trans-lunar burn will be an important manoeuvre as it will put the trajectory of the composite body towards the moon.

"Composite Body will be travelling for 5 days from near earth to near moon covering 3.8 lakh Km distance and reach near the moon," he said.

"Again a retro-burn will happen and Composite Body will be established in the orbit of the moon," said the chairman.

"At an appropriate time, the lander will separate from the orbiter and lander will be set in action, using propulsion system to reduce its orbit and will stay for 4 days," Dr Sivan said.&nbsp;

India's second mission to the moon, Chandrayaan-II, will be launched on July 15 at 2.51 am, ISRO chairman K Sivan said here on Wednesday. "In future, the nation will depend more on planetary missions.

India's second mission to the moon, Chandrayaan-II, will be launched on July 15 at 2.51 am, ISRO chairman K Sivan said here on Wednesday. "In future, the nation will depend more on planetary missions. After Chandrayaan I mission, we are now entering into Chandrayaan II mission. We had slipped many times but now it will be launched on July 15 at 2.51 am," he told a press conference. "The day we are going to land is either September 6 or September 7, that day happens to be the beginning of a lunar day. For one full lunar day, the lander and rover will be functioning and carry out scientific experiments," he added. Chandryaan-2 will explore a region of moon where no mission has ever set foot. The ISRO chief said the landing site, at about 70 degrees south latitude, is the southernmost for any mission till date. No country has attempted this before. "The cost of Chandrayaan II Mission, mainly the satellite portion, including the support from foreign agencies as well as for navigation purpose, is Rs. 603 crore," he said. Watch: ISRO announces Chandrayaan-2 launch on July 15th Sivan said that it will be launched using Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III). Chandrayaan-II consists of an orbiter, a lander and a rover together referred to as "composite body". The total mass of Chandrayaan 2 system is 3.8 ton; out of 3.8 ton, nearly 1.3 ton is the propeller. "Within 15 minutes GSLV Mk III will inject the composite body in the extrinsic orbit," he said. During the next 16 days, there will be five burns using propellants. He said that the trans-lunar burn will be an important manoeuvre as it will put the trajectory of the composite body towards the moon. "Composite Body will be travelling for 5 days from near earth to near moon covering 3.8 lakh Km distance and reach near the moon," he said. "Again a retro-burn will happen and Composite Body will be established in the orbit of the moon," said the chairman. "At an appropriate time, the lander will separate from the orbiter and lander will be set in action, using propulsion system to reduce its orbit and will stay for 4 days," Dr Sivan said.

Chandrayaan-2 will explore region of moon where no mission has ever set foot: ISRO chairman K Sivan

Chandrayaan-2 is India's second lunar mission. Chandrayaan-2 to launch at 2:41 A.M on July 15.This is the mission which aims to land a rover on the moon.India to look to join Elite Club with Moon Landing.

India Watch: India's Grand Lunar Mission

Chandrayaan 2, India’s Lunar Mission which will feature India’s most powerful rocket the GSLV Mk 3 to carry the orbiter, lander and rover, is the much-anticipated project of this year. But India's space agency ISRO has much more in store than the widely known Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan manned missions.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Yuvika - Young Scientist Programme for school students at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Dr KD Sivan, chairman of ISRO said, the agency is in the final stage of testing for the orbiter, lander, rover and that they would be ready for launch by the end of May.&nbsp;

However, the launch will likely be in the first or the second week of July due to an impending eclipse and other conditions, said the Dr Sivan.&nbsp;

"This is a very important mission because we are landing at a place where nobody else has gone, near the South Pole of the moon, and new sciences could emerge from this mission,"&nbsp;Dr Sivan added.

Elaborating on the 13 payloads that the Chandrayaan-2 Mission would be carrying, he said, "basically these payloads are looking at the composition of the atmosphere, the surface, mapping, sub-surface structure, lunar surface composition et cetera.”

Responding to queries regarding some of the major missions that the agency is working on, he said, they are working on seven interplanetary missions in a decade. The missions would include Mars Orbiter Mission 2, Chandrayaan 3, a mission to Venus, exposat planetary exploration and Aditya L1 among others.&nbsp;

"There is a lot of interest in planet Venus and we have announced a lot of opportunities for the scientific community in India and abroad. Around 20 payloads are coming", Dr Sivan said.&nbsp;

He also made a mention of Mission Aditya L1 that could be launched in mid-2020 to study the Corona of the Sun, adding that it would help in understanding climate change.&nbsp;

While Aditya L1 and exposat mission are defined and cleared, the Mars Orbiter 2 and Chandrayaan 3 are in their planning stages. "After planning, it will be formed as a project and we will lead it,"&nbsp;he said.

Chandrayaan 2, India’s Lunar Mission which will feature India’s most powerful rocket the GSLV Mk 3 to carry the orbiter, lander and rover, is the much-anticipated project of this year.

Chandrayaan 2, India’s Lunar Mission which will feature India’s most powerful rocket the GSLV Mk 3 to carry the orbiter, lander and rover, is the much-anticipated project of this year. But India's space agency ISRO has much more in store than the widely known Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan manned missions. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Yuvika - Young Scientist Programme for school students at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Dr KD Sivan, chairman of ISRO said, the agency is in the final stage of testing for the orbiter, lander, rover and that they would be ready for launch by the end of May. However, the launch will likely be in the first or the second week of July due to an impending eclipse and other conditions, said the Dr Sivan. "This is a very important mission because we are landing at a place where nobody else has gone, near the South Pole of the moon, and new sciences could emerge from this mission," Dr Sivan added. Elaborating on the 13 payloads that the Chandrayaan-2 Mission would be carrying, he said, "basically these payloads are looking at the composition of the atmosphere, the surface, mapping, sub-surface structure, lunar surface composition et cetera.” Responding to queries regarding some of the major missions that the agency is working on, he said, they are working on seven interplanetary missions in a decade. The missions would include Mars Orbiter Mission 2, Chandrayaan 3, a mission to Venus, exposat planetary exploration and Aditya L1 among others. "There is a lot of interest in planet Venus and we have announced a lot of opportunities for the scientific community in India and abroad. Around 20 payloads are coming", Dr Sivan said. He also made a mention of Mission Aditya L1 that could be launched in mid-2020 to study the Corona of the Sun, adding that it would help in understanding climate change. While Aditya L1 and exposat mission are defined and cleared, the Mars Orbiter 2 and Chandrayaan 3 are in their planning stages. "After planning, it will be formed as a project and we will lead it," he said.

ISRO planning 7 interplanetary missions in a decade: Chairman Dr Sivan 

A rocket took off from Cape Canaveral in Florida on Thursday night carrying Israel's Beresheet spacecraft, aiming to make history twice - as the first private-sector landing on the Moon, and the first from the Jewish state.

The 585-kilogram (1,290-pound) Beresheet, which means "Genesis" in Hebrew, lifted off at 8:45 pm (0145 GMT Friday) atop a Falcon 9 rocket from the private US-based SpaceX company of entrepreneur Elon Musk.

Take-off was followed live back in Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu watching alongside engineers from the control center of the Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI).

The Israeli craft has been placed in Earth orbit, from where it will use its own engine to undertake a seven-week trip to reach the Moon and touch down on April 11 in a large plain.&nbsp;

The rocket also contains an Indonesian satellite and a satellite of the US Air Force Research Laboratory.

The unmanned mission is part of renewed global interest in the Moon, sometimes called the "eighth continent" of the Earth, and comes 50 years after American astronauts first walked on the lunar surface.&nbsp;

"This is history in the making - and it's live! Israel is aiming for the #moon and you're all invited to watch," said a Twitter message from SpaceIL, the non-profit organization that designed the Israeli craft.

It was backed notably by businessman and philanthropist Morris Kahn, who financed the development of a craft. "Make us proud," he said Thursday.

Entrepreneurs, not government space agencies, financed the mission, which was initially projected at $10 million but eventually grew to $100 million.

Other partners are Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israel's space agency, and the country's Ministry of Science and Technology.

So far, only Russia, the United States and China have made the 384,000-kilometer (239,000-mile) journey and landed spacecraft on the Moon.

China's Chang'e-4 made the first-ever soft landing on the far side of the Moon on January 3, after a probe sent by Beijing made a Lunar landing elsewhere in 2013.

Americans are the only ones to have walked on the lunar surface, but have not been there since 1972.

For Israel, the landing itself is the main mission, but the spacecraft also carries a scientific instrument to measure the lunar magnetic field, which will help understanding of the Moon's formation.

Technically, it is far from a trivial mission.

After its initial boost from the Falcon 9, the Beresheet's British engine will have to make several ignitions to place the spacecraft on the correct trajectory to the Moon.&nbsp;

When it arrives, its landing gear must cushion the descent onto the lunar surface to prevent Beresheet from crashing.

India plans to follow

Beresheet carries a "time capsule" loaded with digital files containing a Bible, children's drawings, Israeli songs, memories of a Holocaust survivor and the blue-and-white Israeli flag.

At a cost of $100 million, "this is the lowest-budget spacecraft to ever undertake such a mission. The superpowers who managed to land a spacecraft on the Moon have spent hundreds of millions of dollars in government funding," IAI said in an earlier statement.

"Beresheet is the first spacecraft to land on the Moon as a result of a private initiative, rather than a government."&nbsp;

After China earlier this year, and now Israel, India hopes to become the fifth lunar country in the spring with its Chandrayaan-2 mission. It aims to put a craft with a rover onto the Moon's surface to collect data.

Japan plans to send a small lunar lander, called SLIM, to study a volcanic area around 2020-2021.&nbsp;

As for the Americans, a return to the Moon is now the official policy of NASA, according to guidelines issued by President Donald Trump in 2017.&nbsp;

"This time, when we go to the Moon, we're actually going to stay," NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said last week.&nbsp;

To achieve this, the US space agency is changing its model and no longer wants to design the missions itself.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, which has installed equipment on Beresheet to upload its signals from the Moon, said last week it aims to land instruments later this year or next year and that it is inviting private sector bids to build and launch the US probes.

The US space agency plans to build a small space station, dubbed Gateway, in the Moon's orbit by 2026, and envisages a manned mission to Mars in the following decade.&nbsp;

A rocket took off from Cape Canaveral in Florida on Thursday night carrying Israel's Beresheet spacecraft, aiming to make history twice - as the first private-sector landing on the Moon, and the first from the Jewish state.

A rocket took off from Cape Canaveral in Florida on Thursday night carrying Israel's Beresheet spacecraft, aiming to make history twice - as the first private-sector landing on the Moon, and the first from the Jewish state. The 585-kilogram (1,290-pound) Beresheet, which means "Genesis" in Hebrew, lifted off at 8:45 pm (0145 GMT Friday) atop a Falcon 9 rocket from the private US-based SpaceX company of entrepreneur Elon Musk. Take-off was followed live back in Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu watching alongside engineers from the control center of the Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI). The Israeli craft has been placed in Earth orbit, from where it will use its own engine to undertake a seven-week trip to reach the Moon and touch down on April 11 in a large plain. The rocket also contains an Indonesian satellite and a satellite of the US Air Force Research Laboratory. The unmanned mission is part of renewed global interest in the Moon, sometimes called the "eighth continent" of the Earth, and comes 50 years after American astronauts first walked on the lunar surface. "This is history in the making - and it's live! Israel is aiming for the #moon and you're all invited to watch," said a Twitter message from SpaceIL, the non-profit organization that designed the Israeli craft. It was backed notably by businessman and philanthropist Morris Kahn, who financed the development of a craft. "Make us proud," he said Thursday. Entrepreneurs, not government space agencies, financed the mission, which was initially projected at $10 million but eventually grew to $100 million. Other partners are Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israel's space agency, and the country's Ministry of Science and Technology. So far, only Russia, the United States and China have made the 384,000-kilometer (239,000-mile) journey and landed spacecraft on the Moon. China's Chang'e-4 made the first-ever soft landing on the far side of the Moon on January 3, after a probe sent by Beijing made a Lunar landing elsewhere in 2013. Americans are the only ones to have walked on the lunar surface, but have not been there since 1972. For Israel, the landing itself is the main mission, but the spacecraft also carries a scientific instrument to measure the lunar magnetic field, which will help understanding of the Moon's formation. Technically, it is far from a trivial mission. After its initial boost from the Falcon 9, the Beresheet's British engine will have to make several ignitions to place the spacecraft on the correct trajectory to the Moon. When it arrives, its landing gear must cushion the descent onto the lunar surface to prevent Beresheet from crashing. India plans to follow Beresheet carries a "time capsule" loaded with digital files containing a Bible, children's drawings, Israeli songs, memories of a Holocaust survivor and the blue-and-white Israeli flag. At a cost of $100 million, "this is the lowest-budget spacecraft to ever undertake such a mission. The superpowers who managed to land a spacecraft on the Moon have spent hundreds of millions of dollars in government funding," IAI said in an earlier statement. "Beresheet is the first spacecraft to land on the Moon as a result of a private initiative, rather than a government." After China earlier this year, and now Israel, India hopes to become the fifth lunar country in the spring with its Chandrayaan-2 mission. It aims to put a craft with a rover onto the Moon's surface to collect data. Japan plans to send a small lunar lander, called SLIM, to study a volcanic area around 2020-2021. As for the Americans, a return to the Moon is now the official policy of NASA, according to guidelines issued by President Donald Trump in 2017. "This time, when we go to the Moon, we're actually going to stay," NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said last week. To achieve this, the US space agency is changing its model and no longer wants to design the missions itself. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, which has installed equipment on Beresheet to upload its signals from the Moon, said last week it aims to land instruments later this year or next year and that it is inviting private sector bids to build and launch the US probes. The US space agency plans to build a small space station, dubbed Gateway, in the Moon's orbit by 2026, and envisages a manned mission to Mars in the following decade.

Israel's first Moon mission blasts off from Florida

Israel is to launch its first moon mission this week, sending an unmanned spacecraft to collect data to be shared with NASA, organisers said Monday.

The 585-kilogram (1,290-pound) Beresheet (Genesis) spacecraft is to lift off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida at around 0145 GMT on Friday.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and technology NGO SpaceIL announced the date at a press conference.

Mission control will be in Yehud, near Tel Aviv.

"We are entering history and are proud to belong to a group that has dreamed and fulfilled the vision shared by many countries in the world but that so far only three of them have accomplished," SpaceIL president Morris Kahn said.

So far only Russia, the United States and China have sent spacecraft to the moon.

The Chinese craft made the first-ever soft landing on the far side of the moon on January 3.

NASA, which has installed equipment on Genesis to upload its signals from the moon, said last week it aims to land an unmanned vehicle there by 2024, and it is inviting private sector bids to build the US probe.

NASA plans to build a small space station, dubbed Gateway, in the moon's orbit by 2026.&nbsp;

It will serve as a way-station for trips to and from the lunar surface, but will not be permanently crewed.

Genesis will make its 6.5-million kilometre (one million-mile) journey at a maximum speed of 10 kilometres per second (36,000 kilometres per hour), according to an IAI statement.

It will carry a "time capsule" loaded with digital files containing a Bible, children's drawings, Israeli songs, memories of a Holocaust survivor and the blue-and-white Israeli flag.

The $100-million project will measure the lunar magnetic field to help to understand the moon's formation.

"This is the lowest-budget spacecraft to ever undertake such a mission. The superpowers who managed to land a spacecraft on the moon have spent hundreds of millions of dollars in government funding," the IAI statement said.

"Beresheet is the first spacecraft to land on the moon as a result of a private initiative, rather than a government."&nbsp;

The project started as a potential entry for the Google Lunar XPrize, which in 2010 offered a $30-million reward to encourage scientists and entrepreneurs to offer relatively inexpensive lunar missions.

The contest closed without a winner in March 2018 but SpaceIL decided to keep working on the challenge.

Israel is to launch its first moon mission this week, sending an unmanned spacecraft to collect data to be shared with NASA, organisers said Monday. The 585-kilogram (1,290-pound) Beresheet (Genesis) spacecraft is to lift off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida at around 0145 GMT on Friday.

Israel is to launch its first moon mission this week, sending an unmanned spacecraft to collect data to be shared with NASA, organisers said Monday. The 585-kilogram (1,290-pound) Beresheet (Genesis) spacecraft is to lift off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida at around 0145 GMT on Friday. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and technology NGO SpaceIL announced the date at a press conference. Mission control will be in Yehud, near Tel Aviv. "We are entering history and are proud to belong to a group that has dreamed and fulfilled the vision shared by many countries in the world but that so far only three of them have accomplished," SpaceIL president Morris Kahn said. So far only Russia, the United States and China have sent spacecraft to the moon. The Chinese craft made the first-ever soft landing on the far side of the moon on January 3. NASA, which has installed equipment on Genesis to upload its signals from the moon, said last week it aims to land an unmanned vehicle there by 2024, and it is inviting private sector bids to build the US probe. NASA plans to build a small space station, dubbed Gateway, in the moon's orbit by 2026. It will serve as a way-station for trips to and from the lunar surface, but will not be permanently crewed. Genesis will make its 6.5-million kilometre (one million-mile) journey at a maximum speed of 10 kilometres per second (36,000 kilometres per hour), according to an IAI statement. It will carry a "time capsule" loaded with digital files containing a Bible, children's drawings, Israeli songs, memories of a Holocaust survivor and the blue-and-white Israeli flag. The $100-million project will measure the lunar magnetic field to help to understand the moon's formation. "This is the lowest-budget spacecraft to ever undertake such a mission. The superpowers who managed to land a spacecraft on the moon have spent hundreds of millions of dollars in government funding," the IAI statement said. "Beresheet is the first spacecraft to land on the moon as a result of a private initiative, rather than a government." The project started as a potential entry for the Google Lunar XPrize, which in 2010 offered a $30-million reward to encourage scientists and entrepreneurs to offer relatively inexpensive lunar missions. The contest closed without a winner in March 2018 but SpaceIL decided to keep working on the challenge.

Israel's first lunar mission to launch this week

The ISRO has started flight integration activity for its next lunar mission Chandrayaan-2 and scientists are currently carrying out tests for the lander and the rover that will explore the moon. 
 
Officials said the spacecraft launch, on board GSLV-Mk II, is planned for March and many new technologies have been developed indigenously to achieve the mission requirements. 
 
Chandrayaan-2, India&#39;s second mission to the Moon, is an advanced version of the previous Chandrayaan-1 mission nine years ago. This spacecraft is a composite model consisting of orbiter, lander and rover. 
 
According to the Bengaluru-headquartered space agency, unlike Chandrayaan-1, wherein an impact probe crash-landed on the surface of the moon, Chandrayaan-2 will soft-land its lander with the rover on the lunar surface to conduct the next level of scientific studies. 
 
&quot;Flight integration activity is going on, and a series of tests are planned for lander and rover. They are all in progress and we are working towards the first quarter (of 2018) launch of Chandrayaan-2,&quot; ISRO Chairman A S Kiran Kumar told PTI. 
 
Officials said rover flight systems test include soil mixing exercise&nbsp;and mobility test to evaluate the rover&#39;s wheel-soil interaction. 
 
According to them, the lander configuration has been finalised to meet soft and safe landing at the identified site, as also payload configuration and interfaces with the lander. 
 
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had also established a lunar terrain test facility for conducting lander leg drop tests. 
 
&quot;It is a totally Indian mission; no other collaboration,&quot; Kiran Kumar said. 
 
&quot;It (Chandrayaan-2) differs from the previous one (Chandrayaan-1) in the sense that in the last one, we had moon impact probe that descended on the moon in an uncontrolled manner, whereas this (Chandrayaan-2) will carry a lander, which will descend on the surface of the moon in a controlled manner,&quot; he said 
 
After the lander lands on the moon, the rover will come out and it will do some in-situ observations and we will be able to get these observations through radio contact, Kiran Kumar said.

The ISRO has started flight integration activity for its next lunar mission Chandrayaan-2 and scientists are currently carrying out tests for the lander and the rover that will explore the moon.

The ISRO has started flight integration activity for its next lunar mission Chandrayaan-2 and scientists are currently carrying out tests for the lander and the rover that will explore the moon. Officials said the spacecraft launch, on board GSLV-Mk II, is planned for March and many new technologies have been developed indigenously to achieve the mission requirements. Chandrayaan-2, India's second mission to the Moon, is an advanced version of the previous Chandrayaan-1 mission nine years ago. This spacecraft is a composite model consisting of orbiter, lander and rover. According to the Bengaluru-headquartered space agency, unlike Chandrayaan-1, wherein an impact probe crash-landed on the surface of the moon, Chandrayaan-2 will soft-land its lander with the rover on the lunar surface to conduct the next level of scientific studies. "Flight integration activity is going on, and a series of tests are planned for lander and rover. They are all in progress and we are working towards the first quarter (of 2018) launch of Chandrayaan-2," ISRO Chairman A S Kiran Kumar told PTI. Officials said rover flight systems test include soil mixing exercise and mobility test to evaluate the rover's wheel-soil interaction. According to them, the lander configuration has been finalised to meet soft and safe landing at the identified site, as also payload configuration and interfaces with the lander. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had also established a lunar terrain test facility for conducting lander leg drop tests. "It is a totally Indian mission; no other collaboration," Kiran Kumar said. "It (Chandrayaan-2) differs from the previous one (Chandrayaan-1) in the sense that in the last one, we had moon impact probe that descended on the moon in an uncontrolled manner, whereas this (Chandrayaan-2) will carry a lander, which will descend on the surface of the moon in a controlled manner," he said After the lander lands on the moon, the rover will come out and it will do some in-situ observations and we will be able to get these observations through radio contact, Kiran Kumar said.

ISRO begins flight integration activity for next lunar mission

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