Hyderabad: As India awaits historic soft-landing of Chandrayaan-2 in the lunar South pole, an 'emotional' orbiter bids adieu to the lander 'Vikram,' as the later begins its final descent.
In a cartoon strip released by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Vikram lander and the Orbiter can be seen exchanging wishes, as they mark the end of their 47-day journey, hours before the historic final step.
The lander is now in an orbit that would be about 35 km from the lunar surface at its nearest point from where it will begin its final descent. ISRO has said Chandrayaan-2 will attempt to soft-land the lander and rover in a high plain between two craters, Manzinus C and Simpelius N, at a latitude of about 70 south.
Chandrayaan-2's landing module 'Vikram' will begin its final descent to pull off a historic soft landing on the lunar surface in the early hours of Saturday, as the Indian Space Research Organisation awaits with bated breath for the 'terrifying moment.'
'Vikram' with rover 'Pragyaan' housed inside is scheduled for a powered-descent between 1 am and 2 am on September 7, followed by its touchdown between 1.30 am and 2.30 am.