Bangalore. India has planned to launch second mission to moon Chandrayaan-2 by July 15, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Chairman Dr K Sivan said.

The ISRO Chief was speaking to media person’s in a Press Meet at ISRO Headquarters, Bengaluru on June 13. He addressed and interacted with regional, national and international media persons during the meet.

Dr Sivan outlined ISRO’s vision on space science and interplanetary missions.

Understanding the secrets of the inner solar system is an aspiration of both national and international scientific community specifically talking about Chandrayaan-2, he announced, “The launch of Chandrayaan-2 onboard GSLV MkIII-M1 is planned on July 15, 2019 at 02.51 Hrs from Sriharikota”.

The ISRO Chairman said the soft landing of the Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-2 on the Moon’s surface is likely to be on September 6 this year. The briefing included the scientific objectives, challenges and benefits of the mission.

The Chairman also provided details on the orbiter, lander and rover as well as the challenging tasks of navigating to the Moon and inserting the spacecraft into lunar orbit.

Dr Sivan then specially mentioned about the highly demanding task of soft landing on the lunar surface and termed it as “15 terrifying minutes”

The media persons also had an opportunity to view Chandrayaan-2 orbiter and lander at ISRO Satellite Integration and Test Establishment (ISITE), Bengaluru.

The briefing by Chairman, ISRO was followed by an extensive interactive session with the media.