The Moon Impact Probe (MIP) is the first ever Indian made object to reach the surface of the Moon. It is famous for discovering the presence of water on the Moon. This probe is the result of the vision of our former president Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. He believed that India should not be left behind in the exploration of the Moon.
The MIP was launched on 22 October, 2008 and weighed 34 kilograms at the time of its launch. It is box shaped and contained three instruments within- a C-band radar altimeter to measure the altitude of the probe, a mass spectrometer for measuring the constituents of the lunar atmosphere, and a video imaging system to take photographs of the lunar surface.
The MIP separated from the orbiter on 14 November, 2008 and had a controlled landing on the lunar South Pole. The main objective of the MIP was to demonstrate the qualifying technology for any future soft landing.
Picture Credit : Google