Chandrayaan-2 (Sanskrit: चंद्रयान-२, lit: Moon-vehicle[2][3] 
pronunciation (help·info)), is a joint lunar exploration mission proposed by theIndian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Russian Federal Space Agency (RKA) and has a projected cost of 
425 crore (US$90 million).[4] The mission, proposed to be launched in 2014 by a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) launch vehicle,[1] includes a lunar orbiter and a lunar rover made in India as well as one lander built by Russia. According to ISRO, this mission will use and test various new technologies and conduct 'new' experiments.[5][6] The wheeled rover will move on the lunar surface and will pick up soil or rock samples for on-site chemical analysis. The data will be sent to Earth through the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter.[7] The team headed byMylswamy Annadurai that was behind the success of the Chandrayaan-1 mission, is working on Chandrayaan-2.
pronunciation (help·info)), is a joint lunar exploration mission proposed by theIndian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Russian Federal Space Agency (RKA) and has a projected cost of 425 crore (US$90 million).[4] The mission, proposed to be launched in 2014 by a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) launch vehicle,[1] includes a lunar orbiter and a lunar rover made in India as well as one lander built by Russia. According to ISRO, this mission will use and test various new technologies and conduct 'new' experiments.[5][6] The wheeled rover will move on the lunar surface and will pick up soil or rock samples for on-site chemical analysis. The data will be sent to Earth through the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter.[7] The team headed byMylswamy Annadurai that was behind the success of the Chandrayaan-1 mission, is working on Chandrayaan-2.History
The Indian Government approved the mission in a meeting of the Union Cabinet held on 18 September 2008 chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.[8]
On November 12, 2007, representatives of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roskosmos) and ISRO signed an agreement for the two agencies to work together on the Chandrayaan-2 project.[9] ISRO will have the prime responsibility for the orbiter and rover, while Roskosmos will be responsible for the lander. The design of the space craft was completed in August 2009, with scientists of both countries conducting a joint review.[10][11]
Design
- Space craft
The mission is planned to fly on a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk-II (GSLV) with an approximate lift-off weight of 2,650 kg from Satish Dhawan Space Center on Sriharikota Island.[12]
- Orbiter
ISRO will design the orbiter, which will orbit the Moon at an altitude of 200km.[13] It is decided that the mission would carry five payloads on the orbiter. Three of the payloads are new, while two others are improved versions of those flown on Chandrayaan-1 orbiter. The approximate launch mass will be 1,400 kg.[12] [14]
- Lander
Unlike Chandrayaan-1's lunar probe, which impacted the Moon's surface, the lander will make a soft landing.[12] The Russian Federal Space Agency will provide the lander. The approximate weight of the lander and rover is 1,250 kg. The Russian space agency Roscosmos plans to test the lander in 2011.[12][15][14]
- Rover
The rover will weigh 30-100 kg and will operate on solar power. The rover will move on wheels on the lunar surface, pick up samples of soil or rocks, perform chemical analysis and send the data to the orbiter above, which will relay it to the Earth station.[12][14]
