Chandrayaan 2: Before NASA, Indian techie spotted lost Vikram lander on lunar surface

Hours after NASA spotted Vikram lander of Chandrayaan 2 on lunar surface, it was revealed that findings were first observed by an Indian techie and enthusiast Shanmuga Subramanian. Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera team released  first mosaic (acquired September 17) of site on September 26 and many people downloaded mosaic to search for signs of Vikram lander. Among m was Shanmuga Subramanian who contacted LRO project with positive identification of debris. After receiving this tip, LROC team confirmed identification by comparing before and after ims. NASA team in its im also credited Subramanian for findings.

READ: NASA satellite locates Chandrayaan 2's Vikram lander on lunar surface

Speaking to news ncy ANI, he said: "I was able to find something out of ordinary in a particular spot, so, I thought this must be debris. I got confirmation from NASA today."

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Two subsequent im sequences were acquired on October 14 and 15, and n on vember 11. LROC team scoured surrounding area in se new mosaics and found impact site and associated debris field. vember mosaic had best pixel scale (0.7 metre) and lighting conditions (72° incidence angle).  debris first located by Shanmuga is about 750 meters rthwest of main crash site and was a single bright pixel identification in that first mosaic (1.3-metre pixels, 84° incidence angle). vember mosaic showed best impact crater, ray, and extensive debris field. three largest pieces of debris are each about 2x2 pixels and cast a one-pixel shadow.

READ: Chandrayaan 2 observes "impact craters" on Moon's surface: ISRO

NASA tweets about findings 

im tweeted by NASA shows Vikram Lander impact point and associated debris field. Green dots indicate craft debris (confirmed or likely). Blue dots locate disturbed soil, likely were small bits of craft churned up regolith. "S" indicates debris identified by Shanmuga Subramanian. 

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