Bhubaneswar: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief K Sivan on Friday expressed that the moon mission Chandrayaan-2 achieved 98 per cent of its objectives.
Speaking to mediapersons at the Bhubaneswar airport, Sivan was happy to share that the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter is doing very well. He also said that the National level committee consisting of academicians and ISRO experts are analysing the cause of communication loss with the lander.
"Orbiter continues to perform scheduled science experiments to complete satisfaction. There are eight instruments in the orbiter and each instrument is doing exactly what it meant to do. Regarding the lander, we have not been able to establish communication with it yet. The scientists are trying to gauge the lapses, to see what exactly went wrong with Vikram lander. As soon as we avail any data, necessary steps will be taken subsequently."
He further said, "The orbiter was initially planned for a year, but with the optimum mission planning there is every possibility that it will last for another 7 and half years benefiting us for science experiments. Why we are saying Chandrayaan-2 achieved 98% success is because of two objectives- one is science and the other technology demonstration. In case of technology demonstration, the success percentage was almost full."
Speaking on the next mission, the ISRO chief said, "Our next priority is Gaganyaan mission, which will be the first unmanned mission. We have set a target of achieving this by the end of next year."
Later in the day, Sivan attended the 8th Convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bhubaneswar today as chief guest. Sivan addressed the students of IIT in the community centre of the institute at Argul, Jatni.