Final countdown for Chandrayaan-1 launch to commence tomorrow

Chennai, Oct 19 (UNI) The final countdown for the launch of Chandrayaan-I, India's maiden moon mission, would commence at 0400 hrs tomorrow as the scientists at the Satish Dahwan Space Centre in Sriharikota Range (SHAR) began the rehearsal of the launch sequence.

As the fully assembled vehicle, Polar Satellite Luanch Vehicle (PSLV-C11) was moved to the second launch pad from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) on October 18, a host of scientists, led by M Annadurai, Project Director, began the launch sequence rehearsal this morning.

In this crucial exercise, the scientists were doing everything, as if a launch is taking place, sources in Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said, adding ''everything as of now is progressing well''.

After completing the exercise, the scientists would make sure everything was in place and commence the final 52-hour countdown around 0400 hrs tomorrow for the launch of the prestigious mission at 0620 hrs on October 22.

If the weather also turns out to be fine, the 44.4 metre tall PSLV-C11, the workhorse of ISRO would blast off from the sophisticated second launch pad as scheduled on the morning of October 22 to put Chandrayaan-1 in orbit.

The mission, in all would carry 11 instruments, including five from India and six abroad to the lunar surface for various studies and investigation of chemicals, minerals and possible presence of water.

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