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ISRO scientists differ over establishment of communication with lander

The scientific community of Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO), the country's premier space research organization seem to be divided over prospects of reestablishing communication network with VikramLander of Chandrayaan-2.

Although for the official record ISRO sources have put up a brave face in claiming that Chandrayaan-2 orbiter has clicked a thermal image of the lander and efforts are on to establish contact, however, there's another section which has its own doubt about any such success!

In fact, things would have been altogether different had the lander were to have a smooth landing which unfortunately is not the case now. Though the lander is not broken or damaged, thanks to the hard landing it is now lying in a tilted position.

A Senior scientist on condition of anonymity revealed: As of now persistent efforts are underway to reestablish communication network with the estranged lander but full system functionality is a must for ensuring such contact. However, in the present juncture, such prospects look to be a remote possibility.But the team in Tracking and Command Network(INSTRAC) of ISRO is making all-out efforts to reestablish communication with the lander through the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter.

In a tweet today ISRO said:
ISRO ✔ @isro

#VikramLander has been located by the orbiter of #Chandrayaan2, but no communication with it yet.
All possible efforts are being made to establish communication with lander.#ISRO

10:20 AM - Sep 10, 2019

It may also be recollected here that Dr K Shivan, ISRO Chairman had informed on Saturday last that the space agency will continue its efforts to restore a link with the lander for 14 days. He also expressed the same optimism Yesterday once the orbiter's camera shot the lander on the moon.

In spite of such hopeful assurances by the ISRO Chairman, an official of the agency with the condition of not being quoted claimed: A system functionality is a must to ensure any possibility of communication network, which under present circumstances is lacking and also the prospects are looking bleak.

-Manohar Yadavatti


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