MUMBAI: India’s first and only astronaut Rakesh Sharma believes the experience Astronaut
gained by the Moon Impact Probes crashlanding on the lunar Astronaut Rakesh Sharmasurface will go a long way in planning India’s manned mission to the moon.
gained by the Moon Impact Probes crashlanding on the lunar Astronaut Rakesh Sharmasurface will go a long way in planning India’s manned mission to the moon.
Speaking to TOI, Sharma, who was a part of the Indo-Soviet space mission in April 1984, said: “I am sure this will go into the experience base for planning a manned moon mission as it will help to map the lunar surface.” Sharma was also a part of the group of eminent people that gave the green light to the Chandrayaan mission.
India has not totally ruled out the possibility of embarking on a manned lunar mission in 2020. Space experts said India’s plan needs to be viewed in the context of Asian countries, like China and Japan, which are working on manned missions. Besides, a manned flight to the low earth orbit (2,000 km above the earth) planned for 2014 is awaiting the Centre’s nod.
Sharma said the success of the MIP will depend on the amount of the scientific data it is able to transmit. Told that the MIP had initially created some rumbles of dissent in the science fraternity, the former astronaut said: “Any add-on is always worth it. I would say that the inclusion of the probe is a good forerunner to Chandrayaan-II.”
The second Indian moon mission, which will do a soft landing on the moon is slated for launch with a Russian-built lander and rover from Sriharikota between 2010 and 2012. It is estimated to cost about Rs 425 crore and will be launched from the three-stage GSLV.
India has not totally ruled out the possibility of embarking on a manned lunar mission in 2020. Space experts said India’s plan needs to be viewed in the context of Asian countries, like China and Japan, which are working on manned missions. Besides, a manned flight to the low earth orbit (2,000 km above the earth) planned for 2014 is awaiting the Centre’s nod.
Sharma said the success of the MIP will depend on the amount of the scientific data it is able to transmit. Told that the MIP had initially created some rumbles of dissent in the science fraternity, the former astronaut said: “Any add-on is always worth it. I would say that the inclusion of the probe is a good forerunner to Chandrayaan-II.”
The second Indian moon mission, which will do a soft landing on the moon is slated for launch with a Russian-built lander and rover from Sriharikota between 2010 and 2012. It is estimated to cost about Rs 425 crore and will be launched from the three-stage GSLV.
