In the final phase of its descent, during the fine braking stage, the Vikram lander stopped transmitting its signal.
For several minutes, ISRO scientists awaited news from the lander that was just 2.1 km from the surface at last record.
An announcement was heard later stating that they were receiving transmissions. Experts say that the lander was descending very fast.
An announcement was made by ISRO, saying, "Vikram lander descent was as planned and normal performance was observed up to an altitude of 2.1 km. Subsequently, the communication from lander to ground station was lost. The data is being analysed."
The prime minister was seen being given a briefing by ISRO chairman K. Sivan. Later, he issued a statement saying, "There are ups and downs in life. This is not a small achievement. The nation is proud of hope. Hope for the best. I congratulate you. You all have done a big service to nation, science and mankind. I am with you all the way, move forward bravely."
As part of the descent, the Vikram lander was supposed to reduce its speed from 1,640 m/s to around 140 m/s before slowing down to a velocity of 0 m/s to attain a soft landing.
