ISRO Chandrayaan 2 Put on Hold, Viewers Message from the Launch View Gallery

ISRO Chandrayaan 2 launch has been called off for now due to a technical issue that came to light one hour before the mission took off. “A technical snag was observed in the launch vehicle system one hour before the launch. As a measure of abundant precaution Chandrayaan-2 launch has been called off for today. Revised launch date will be announced later,” said a message from ISRO.

Millions of people across the country expressed their encouragement on social media even though they were disappointed with the development. A few viewers even tweeted from the launch view gallery in Sriharikota, wherein they were waiting to watch the ISRO Chandrayaan 2 launch from as early as 10 pm IST.

“We are just 4 hours away in time to witness the historic launch of Chandrayaan2...right where the action is going to take place, at the View Gallery...Proud moment for India... Meanwhile observe people being dwarfed by the 14 storey high GSLVMkIII-M1,” tweeted a viewer Deepak Patro from Sriharikota.

Nevertheless, even though viewers were disappointed that they couldn’t witness the ISRO Chandrayaan 2 launch, they continued to encourage the Indian Space Research Organisation and said that they would register again to witness the launch live. “Was waiting eagerly in the launch view gallery, as a common man it's disappointing that couldn't see the launch, but when compared to your immense efforts, and identifying the technical snag before launch is something very much appreciated our disappointment is nothing,” tweeted a viewer Sivani Sakthi Prasad Cherukuri.

He added that the arrangements made at the launch view gallery were ‘awesome.’ “Waiting for the new and successful launch date to visit again. Public amenities at veiwing gallery are awesome and a comfortable place to see and feel India proud because of your relentless efforts, ISRO team,” he said.

“I was there at the Launch View Gallery of Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota for Chandrayan2. Unfortunately due to some technical issue the launch was called off. Revised date will be announced latter, says ISRO. I will come again to support ISRO,” said another viewer Rupesh Telwar.

While another viewer added that they would come in ‘more numbers’ yet again when the fresh launch date would be announced.

ISRO is yet to announce the fresh date for Chandrayaan 2 launch. However, reports suggest that the fresh launch would take at least 10 more days to take place. “Chandrayaan 2 is the next leap in technology as we attempt to soft land close to South Pole of moon. The soft landing is extremely complex and we will experience approximately 15 minutes of terror,” says Dr K Sivan, Chairmain of ISRO, had said in the curtain raiser video.

If successful, ISRO Chandrayaan 2 will be the first mission to land a rover near the lunar south pole. India will become only the fourth country to achieve this feat after US, USSR and China. The soft landing is expected to happen in September 2019, if the Chandrayaan 2 launch does take place in July.