New Delhi: As Chandrayaan-2 is set to be launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) from Andhra Pradesh, former scientist Dr S M Ahmed lauded the efforts of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in fixing the 'technical snag' observed in the launch vehicle system.
The expedition was called off at T-56th minute of the countdown, after a snag was reported in the GSLV Mk-III rocket.
In an interview with ETV Bharat, the Ex-ISRO scientist claimed that completing the launch preparation within the given window came as a 'pleasant surprise.'
"ISRO had designed the lander- Vikram to execute a soft landing on the lunar surface," Dr Ahmed said explaining the functioning of the lander, which is a first as compared to the earlier Chandrayaan-1 mission.
He was speaking ahead of the launch of Chandrayaan-2 on Monday. The satellite is supposed to explore the uncharted lunar south pole.
'Vikaram' will also communicate with the Indian Deep Space Network (IDSN), the Orbiter and Pragyan rover.
Chandrayaan 2's rover is a six-wheeled robotic vehicle named Pragyan which leverages solar energy for its functioning. It can communicate with the lander.
Speaking about instruments incorporated for the mission, Dr Ahmed claimed that advanced indigenous technology is being used.
"We are using 13 indigenous equipment and one retroreflector from NASA," he said.
"Chandrayaan-1's primary goal was to be able to reach the moon. But this mission is about advanced indigenous technology conceptualised, designed and implemented by India," he added.
Further, he stated that ISRO will become a 'big player' in planetary exploration in the near future.
Chandrayaan 2 is an Indian lunar mission that will boldly go where no country has ever gone before -- the Moon's south polar region.
Also read: How different is Chandrayaan-2 from Chandrayaan-1?
