# Vikram

> lunar lander used in Chandrayaan-2

**Wikidata**: [Q65538184](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q65538184)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vikram-q65538184

## Summary
Vikram is a lunar lander developed by India as part of the Chandrayaan-2 mission. It was designed to land on the Moon's south pole and carry scientific instruments, including one to measure lunar seismic activity. The lander suffered a hard landing in September 2019, though the mission's orbiter remains operational.

## Key Facts
- **Mass**: 1,471 kilograms
- **Operator**: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- **Part of**: Chandrayaan-2, India's second lunar exploration mission
- **Named after**: Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India's space program
- **Significant events**:
  - Launched on July 22, 2019, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre
  - Attempted landing on the Moon's south pole on September 6, 2019, but experienced a hard landing
- **Scientific instrument**: Carried the Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity
- **Country**: India
- **Instance of**: Lunar lander, former entity
- **Aliases**: Vikram lander, Chandrayaan-2 lander

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the Vikram lander?
A: Vikram was designed to land on the Moon's south pole and deploy scientific instruments, including one to study lunar seismic activity. It was part of India's Chandrayaan-2 mission.

### Q: Why is Vikram significant in space exploration?
A: Vikram was India's first attempt to land a spacecraft on the Moon, making it a milestone for the country's space program. The mission aimed to explore the lunar south pole, a region of scientific interest.

### Q: What happened to the Vikram lander after its landing attempt?
A: Vikram experienced a hard landing on the Moon's surface on September 6, 2019, and communication was lost. The mission's orbiter, however, remains operational.

### Q: Who was Vikram Sarabhai, and how is he related to the lander?
A: Vikram Sarabhai was the founder of India's space program and is considered the father of the Indian space effort. The lander was named in his honor.

### Q: What was the outcome of the Chandrayaan-2 mission?
A: While the Vikram lander suffered a hard landing, the mission's orbiter continues to function and provides valuable data about the Moon.

## Why It Matters
Vikram represents a significant milestone in India's space exploration efforts. As the country's first lunar lander, it demonstrated India's growing capabilities in space technology. The mission aimed to explore the Moon's south pole, a region believed to contain water ice, which could be crucial for future lunar missions. Despite the lander's failure, the orbiter's continued operation ensures that scientific data from the mission is still being collected. Vikram's development and launch also highlighted India's ambition to compete with established space powers like the United States and China. The mission's challenges and successes contribute to the broader understanding of lunar exploration and pave the way for future endeavors.

## Notable For
- **First Indian lunar lander**: Vikram was India's first attempt to land a spacecraft on the Moon, marking a major step in the country's space program.
- **Targeted the lunar south pole**: The mission aimed to explore a scientifically significant region, including potential water ice deposits.
- **Named after a space pioneer**: The lander was named after Vikram Sarabhai, the visionary leader of India's space efforts.
- **Carried seismic instruments**: Vikram included the Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity, contributing to our understanding of the Moon's internal structure.
- **Part of Chandrayaan-2**: As the lander component of the mission, Vikram worked alongside the orbiter and rover to achieve comprehensive lunar exploration.

## Body
### Overview
Vikram was a lunar lander developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as part of the Chandrayaan-2 mission. Launched on July 22, 2019, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, it was designed to land on the Moon's south pole on September 6, 2019. The lander carried a scientific instrument, the Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity, to study the Moon's internal structure.

### Mission Details
- **Launch**: The Vikram lander was launched aboard the GSLV Mk III rocket as part of the Chandrayaan-2 mission.
- **Landing Attempt**: The lander attempted a soft landing on the Moon's south pole but experienced a hard landing, resulting in the loss of communication.
- **Scientific Payload**: The lander included the Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity, which was intended to measure lunar quakes and provide insights into the Moon's interior.

### Significance
- **Indian Space Achievement**: Vikram was a significant achievement for India, demonstrating the country's growing capabilities in space exploration.
- **Scientific Contribution**: The mission aimed to explore the lunar south pole, a region of interest for potential water ice deposits and future human missions.
- **Legacy**: Despite the lander's failure, the mission's orbiter continues to function, ensuring that scientific data from the mission is still being collected.

### Naming and Legacy
- **Named After Vikram Sarabhai**: The lander was named after Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India's space program, honoring his contributions to the field.
- **Inspiration for Future Missions**: The challenges and successes of the Vikram mission inspire future Indian space endeavors and contribute to global lunar exploration efforts.