India sets sights on Moon, unveils spacecraft for historic mission

India plans to join the exclusive group of countries that have successfully landed on the Moon following the launch of its Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft next month. Speaking in Bangalore on Wednesday, Indian Space Research Organization Chairman K. Sivan said that the spacecraft will launch from Sriharikota, an island off India's southeastern coast, on July 15. Chandrayaan-2 will carry a lunar lander dubbed "Vikram," or "valor," which is expected to make a soft landing on the Moon’s surface on Sept. 6. The lander will transport a robotic rover that will explore the lunar surface. Sponsors: MagellanTV – a brand-new streaming service that features the very best collection of space and science documentaries available anywhere. The service includes over 1500 documentary movies, series, and exclusive playlists, designed with you in mind. Check out their space genre and explore the solar system like never before. Claim first your two-month free trial, only available at magellantv.com/spacenewspod