In pictures: First glimpses of Chandrayaan-2 orbiter and lander

The Indian Space Research Organisation announced on Thursday that India’s much-awaited second lunar mission Chandrayaan-2 will be launched between on July 15. It is expected to make a moon landing on September 6.

Chandrayaan 2 will carry NASA-owned laser retroreflector arrays that allow scientists to make precise measurements of the distance to the Moon, US space agency officials said, during the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference held in Texas.

Chandrayaan-2 has three modules — Orbiter, Lander (Vikram) & Rover (Pragyan).

“The Rover is housed inside the Lander. After launch into earth bound orbit by GSLV MK-III, the integrated module will reach Moon orbit using Orbiter propulsion module. Subsequently, Lander will separate from the Orbiter and soft land at the predetermined site close to lunar South Pole. Further, the Rover will roll out for carrying out scientific experiments on the lunar surface. Instruments are also mounted on Lander and Orbiter for carrying out scientific experiments,” ISRO earlier said in a statement.

On June 12, the first pictures of the orbiter and lander which will be part of Chandrayaan-2 were released. They were revealed at the ISRO Satellite Integration and Testing Establishment facility in Bengaluru.