Chandrayaan 2 updates: Communication with Vikram lost, landing status unknown.
On being asked if the lander had crashed, ISRO spokeperson Deviprasad Karnik said that they were not sure at this moment, and that the data was still being analysed.
At 1.30 AM this morning, ISRO chief K Sivan welcomed PM Modi at the monitoring centre in Bangalore. Along with 60 students from across the nation - all of whom were selected through ISRO’s ‘Space Quiz’ competition, Modi was briefed as Vikram’s lander began its final descent around 1.40 AM. This marked the most crucial phase of the landing, as foreseen by K Sivan.
Rough breaking of #VikramLander ends and Fine braking phase starts#Chandrayaan2 #ISRO
— ISRO (@isro) September 6, 2019
Around 1.50 AM, the Vikram lander passed on to the absolute navigation phase, completing the rough braking phase. The lander began the fine braking phase, at an altitude of around 2.77 km from the lunar surface.
As the descent continued, everything was normal until an altitude of 2.1 km. However, communication was lost as the Vikram lander stopped sending data.
#ISRO Chairman Dr K Sivan says, the powered descent of the lander Vikram has been normal till reaching the altitude of 2.51 km. Subsequently, the communication from the Lander was lost. The reason is being analysed.#Chandrayaan2 pic.twitter.com/p5uqsttgH4
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) September 6, 2019
Around 2.20 AM, ISRO announced the loss of communication, and said that the data was being analysed.
This is Mission Control Centre. #VikramLander descent was as planned and normal performance was observed up to an altitude of 2.1 km. Subsequently, communication from Lander to the ground stations was lost. Data is being analyzed.#ISRO
— ISRO (@isro) September 6, 2019
Despite this, the nation has rallied around the space agency, congratulating them for a well performed effort so far.
India is proud of our scientists! They’ve given their best and have always made India proud. These are moments to be courageous, and courageous we will be!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 6, 2019
Chairman @isro gave updates on Chandrayaan-2. We remain hopeful and will continue working hard on our space programme.
Apart from the message on Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the scientists at space agency that there was still much to be proud of. He emphasised his congratulations to them, and reminded them that all hope had not been lost. Speaking to the scientists, Modi said, “There are ups and downs in life. This is not a small achievement. The nation in proud of you. Let us hope for the best. I congratulate you. You all have done a big service to nation, science and mankind. I am with you all the way, move forward bravely”.
#WATCH PM Narendra Modi at ISRO: There are ups and downs in life. This is not a small achievement. The nation is proud of you. Hope for the best. I congratulate you. You all have done a big service to nation, science and mankind. I am with you all the way, move forward bravely. pic.twitter.com/Iig1a8EuKD
— ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2019
The Chandrayaan 2 orbiter however, continues to send signals and data:
Definitely not a failure as #Chandrayaan2 orbiter is completely working and sending back data and signals
— Nagarjun Dwarakanath (@nagarjund) September 6, 2019
This data will continue being collected for the following year.
Data is still being analysed, Saturday's planned press conference has been called off, announces ISRO - Indian Space Research Organisation
— Outlook Magazine (@Outlookindia) September 6, 2019
Follow live updates here https://t.co/MaORrN3DrW#Chandrayaan2 #IndiaOnTheMoon #ISRO pic.twitter.com/gwkkSWjTWu
On being asked if the lander had crashed, ISRO spokeperson Deviprasad Karnik said that they were not sure at this moment, and that the data was still being analysed.
Deviprasad Karnik, scientist ISRO, on being asked if Vikram Lander has crashed: Data is being analysed. We don't have any result yet. It takes time. We are not sure. pic.twitter.com/fo3AZDwhek
— ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2019
Messages bolstering support for ISRO are pouring in from all quarters; despite high flying emotions, the overall sentiment is one of hope and pride for how far India has come in space research.
Appears that ISRO lost communication with #Chandrayaan2 a couple of kilometres before the planned soft landing. That’s what, a matter of seconds? Heartbreaking for ISRO scientists, but such is the nature of space exploration science. Onward and upward!
— Rahul Kalvapalle (@Kalvapalle) September 6, 2019