NEW DELHI: Chandrayaan-2, India’s second mission to the moon, is likely tobe launched around April 2018. The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) is planning to launch the mission that will place India at a newheight in space technology.

While addressing a press conference on the achievements of Department ofSpace and Department of Atomic Energy, MoS PMO Dr Jitendra Singh saidChandraayan-2 is a challenging mission as for the first time it will carryan orbiter, a lander and a rover to the moon.

Dr. Sivan K, Secretary of Department of Space and Chairman Space Commissionsaid the total cost of the Chandrayaan 2 mission will be about Rs 800crore. If due to unsuitable weather, the mission’s launch does not takeplace in April, it can be launched till October this year. Dr Sivan saidthat ISRO has successfully accomplished 48 missions, including 21 LaunchVehicle missions, 24 Satellite missions and 3 Technology Demonstrators inthe last four year.

Applauding the Department of Space, the Minister said that ISRO hasachieved many milestones in the recent years which include the launch of104 satellites in a single mission in February last year and the launch ofSouth Asia Satellite which will boost ties with neighbours. He said thatIndia is a frontline nation in the field of space technology and thescientists need to be complimented for it.

The space technology is being used by various ministries and departmentslike in Smart City Mission, preparation of utilisation certificates inMinistry of DoNER etc. The minister also said that India is using thetechnology for peaceful purposes and its applications have been diversifiedin various fields including electricity generation, agriculture and healthsectors.

He said that very soon it will be the source of meeting energy needs of thecountry in a cost-effective manner. He added that Bhabha Kavach, a lightweight bullet-proof jacket has been developed for security forces.