New Delhi, Sep 21: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh on Thursday informed that the Team ISRO is eagerly awaiting the Chandrayaan3 “Wake Up” call a few hours from now when dawn breaks on the moon after a gap of 14 days and the 2nd phase of the mission begins.
Replying to an over 8-hour Debate in the Lok Sabha, on the subject of “Success of Chandrayaan-3 and other achievements of our Nation in the Space Sector”, Dr Jitendra Singh said, ISRO is in the process of trying to reestablish communication with Chandrayaan-3’s solar-powered lander Vikram and rover Pragyan, to revive them so that they can continue with scientific experiments.
Dr Jitendra Singh emphatically asserted, “If we succeed, India will become the first country in the world to start the 2nd phase of Lunar Mission after activation of the communication circuit.”
It may be recalled that the Lander and the Rover were put into sleep mode earlier this month on September 4 and 2 respectively, ahead of the lunar night of 14 days’ duration. He added that there is a huge variation of temperature ranging from minus 150 degrees at night to 100 degrees during the daytime, and therefore, we all are hoping and praying that solar batteries and solar panels will help the beginning of the unprecedented 2nd Phase of Moon Mission.
Replying to concerns raised by some of the opposition members that the Modi Government has cut the budget for ISRO, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the budget saw a jump of over 142 percent from Rs 5,168 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 12, 543 Crore in the current financial year.
Similarly, the Minister informed that the budget for all Science Ministries and Departments was increased from 21, 025 Crore in 2013-14 to Rs 57, 303 Crore in 2022-23, which is a jump of over 172 percent.
Dr Jitendra Singh also informed that a new Space Launch Station will soon be inaugurated in Thoothukkudi in Tamil Nadu. He said 90 percent of the land acquisition work is over and appealed to the Tamil Nadu Government to complete the unfinished work.
