Chandrayaan-2, the second moon mission of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will be launched between January 3 and February 16 next year.
It was also announced that Chandrayaan-2 will be launched by GSLV-MK-III as its mass has been increased to 3.8 tonnes.
ISRO Chairman K Sivan on Tuesday in a press brief said, "In January 2019, we will have a major mission Chandrayaan-2 by GSLV-Mk-III-M1. We have taken a review by experts throughout the country. They appreciated our efforts saying this is the most complex mission ISRO has ever taken."
"Mass of Chandrayaan-2 has increased to 3.8 tonnes which can't be launched by GSLV. We have redefined launch vehicle to GSLV-MK-III. Window for the launch is January 3-16 February. It would be the first mission in the world going near the South Pole," he added.
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The first edition of the lunar probe was launched in October 2008 and operated until August 2009. The mission included a lunar orbiter and an impactor. India launched the spacecraft using a PSLV-XL rocket, serial number C11, on 22 October 2008 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, about 80 km north of Chennai.
As per reports, Chandrayaan-2 was scheduled to be launched in April this year.
(ANI)
