Question

In which year was India's first scientific mission to the moon launched?
A. 2000
B. 2004
C. 2007
D. 2008

Answer 1

Hint:
i) The project contained a lunar orbiter.
ii) It also contained an impactor.
iii) It's successful completion made India the fourth country to have its flag insignia on the moon's surface.

Complete answer:
India's first scientific mission to the moon was a lunar probe that was launched by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It was named the Chandrayaan-1. It was a major boost to the space program of India. This was a major feat as India researched and developed its own technology for this project. It did not function for as long as it was planned for, but nevertheless it was a major milestone for India. Let us now see which year it was launched on-

A. The lunar probe Chandrayaan-1 was not launched in 2000. In 2000, The Astronautical Society of India (ASI) forwarded the plan of an Indian scientific mission to the moon. Thus, this is not the correct option.

B. The lunar mission was not launched in 2004. In the previous year, 2003, the then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee had announced the Chandrayaan 1 project. Thus, this option is also incorrect.

C. The mission to the moon was not launched in 2007. It was launched successfully in the following year. Thus, this option is incorrect.

D. Chandrayaan-1 was launched in 2008 in the month of October. In November of the same year, the vehicle was placed into orbit. Therefore, this is the correct option.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option D.

Note:
i) The estimated cost for the project was ₹386 crore (US$54 million)
ii) The project was operational till August 28, 2009. It lost communications after that.
iii) It was supposed to be operational for two years but was only functional for 312 days. Still, it achieved most of the major scientific goals.
iv) Chandrayaan-1 was relocated on 2 July 2016 by NASA using ground-based radar systems.