People Tell ISRO 'We Are Proud Of You', Even As Vikram Lander Loses Signal

India had hoped to create history by becoming the first nation to reach closest to the lunar south pole.

However, seconds before the touch down on the Moon's surface early on Saturday, communication with the Chandrayaan 2 lander was lost.

Addressing the media, ISRO chairman, K Sivan said that the space agency lost contact with the Vikram lander, when the mission was at an altitude of 2.1 kilometres from the surface of the moon.

ISRO Chief K Sivan, earlier tonight: Vikram Lander descent was as planned and normal performance was observed up to an altitude of 2.1 km. Subsequently, communication from Lander to the ground stations was lost. Data is being analyzed. https://t.co/Z9MIKPJYCX pic.twitter.com/DJawDHhHjp

¡ª ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2019

Even as ISRO chief and all others at the Bengaluru centre were devastated, people on the Internet shared words of encouragement for them:

#1

Still hoping the communication comes back. In any case, this is way more than we as kids could ever imagine. Sure we will make it on that tide-maker someday very soon now. @isro ko ???. #Chandrayaan2

¡ª ???? (@varungrover) September 6, 2019

#2

Dear @ISRO, we are proud always. Always next time.

¡ª Gabbbar (@GabbbarSingh) September 6, 2019

#3

Dear @ISRO, we are proud always. Always next time.

¡ª Gabbbar (@GabbbarSingh) September 6, 2019

#4

Thank you, #ISRO! For making us in India dream big, strive harder and aim higher. The journey of #Chandrayaan2 would always be remembered for the courage you all have shown to achieve the unthinkable. We are inching closer. The nation stands strong behind you always. @isro

¡ª Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) September 6, 2019

#5

I have covered several rocket launches from SHAR & hv never ceased to be amazed by ISRO's dedicated team of scientists & their commitment.They have done India proud &today's events will only make them more determined to accomplish the mission at the next attempt. #Chandrayaan2

¡ª Sumanth Raman (@sumanthraman) September 6, 2019

#6

Dear team @isro , the whole nation is proud of your efforts and achievements. Success and failures are part of the journey, its the efforts that matter. Hoping that communications are back and #Chandrayaan2Landing is a success. Jai Hind ??

¡ª Naveen Jindal (@MPNaveenJindal) September 6, 2019

#7

We are proud of you team @isro !
The nation salutes you for the hardwork you¡¯ve put in.
This is not where the things end but this is surely where new things have started!
We Indians stand firmly with our great scientists & hope for the best for future. ??#Chandrayaan2

¡ª Dr. Satya Pal Singh (@dr_satyapal) September 6, 2019

#8

The real payback of the mission is reinstating faith in our own capability.
We, as Nation, would have never ever known what we are really capable of! Now we know. Our basics are sorted. And with sound basics, today or tomorrow, anything can be achieved. Thanks #Chandrayaan2 pic.twitter.com/0x8PE3M9UX

¡ª Purvi Srivastava (@purvi_23) September 6, 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was also at the mission control room, was briefed by ISRO scientists.

"There are ups and downs in life. This is not a small achievement. The nation is proud of you. You all have done a big service to nation, science and mankind. I am with you all the way, move forward bravely," PM Modi told them. Later, speaking at the control centre this morning, he said, ¡°We came very close but we will need to cover more ground. The best is yet to come... India is with you."

#WATCH PM Narendra Modi hugged and consoled ISRO Chief K Sivan after he(Sivan) broke down. #Chandrayaan2 pic.twitter.com/R1d0C4LjAh

¡ª ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2019

He also lent a shoulder to K Sivan, the ISRO who broke down while bidding farewell to the PM.