The GSLV-Mk III M1 rocket, which can hurl 4,000 Kg satellites into space, is scheduled to take off from the spaceport at Sriharikota, with Chandrayaan-2 at 2.51 am on Monday.

Nellore: ISRO Scientists all set to launch “Bahubali” India’s most powerful rocket “Chandrayaan-2” on Monday at 2.51 am. President Ram Nath Kovind will view the launch along with his family.

    Chandrayaan-2 carries a lander that will soft-land on the Moon’s south poll on September 6^th, to mark a historic step in the countries space program. The GSLV-Mk III M1 rocket, which can hurl 4,000 Kg satellites into space, is scheduled to take off from the spaceport at Sriharikota, Nellore, with Chandrayaan-2 at 2.51 am on Monday. Chandrayaan-2, together with the lunar orbiter, Vikram lander and Pragyaan rover and fuel, weighs 3,887 Kg at launch. The orbiter will work for a year, Vikram and Pragyaan for less than a fortnight after they land about 54 days.

    The Rs.1, 000 crore Chandrayaan-2 is carrying eight payloads, seven of them from India and on from NASA. Chandrayaan-1 had discovered water on the moon and new rock types. The Mission Readiness Review Committee on Saturday gave the green signal to commence the 20-hour countdown at 6.51 am on Sunday.

    ISRO Chief Dr. K. Sivan came to SHAR, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, after seeking the blessings of Lord Venkateshwara at Tirumala and Changala Parameswari shrine at Sullurpeta for the success of the launch.