Re:Impact probe (Score 2, Informative)

Actually, the impact probe is actually an afterthought. The original plan included only the Chandrayaan which is a satellite which comprises of 11 missions (terrain mapping etc) for a 2 year duration. Indian ex-President Dr. Kalam suggested that perhaps a probe could also be added and the Indian Space Agency got quite enthusiastic about the idea. The real purpose is not to land or impact on the moon its the development of technologies to reach the moon and the 11 missions on the satellite. It is simply a precursor to landing a man on the moon which is planned for in the next 15 years. Why does it take so long you might ask ? 2 reasons, one cant obviously simply buy the technologies, and secondly the whole program is on the shoestring budget (this particular program including the development and deployment of all the technologies cost US $ 76 million).