The Chandrayaan 2 rocket is expected to arrive at the moon in early September, and will then release a roving vehicle on the surface to examine the previously unexplored south pole. The launch comes a week after a planned launch was called off due to a technical problem. (Financial Times)

Talking point: The successful completion of the US$140-million mission would make India the fourth country to land on the moon; currently, the list includes the U.S., Russia and China. The last time India attempted a lunar landing was in 2008; the Chendrayaan 1 sent a probe to the moon’s surface but did not successfully complete its controlled landing. India has further ambitions to compete with other major space-exploring countries. In 2014, it was the first Asian country to reach Mars, launching its Mangalyaan probe into orbit around the planet. In 2017, it became the sixth country to launch a “heavy-lift” mission carrying satellites weighing over three tonnes. And, earlier this year, it shot down one of its own satellites, joining the U.S., Russia and China in developing anti-satellite technology. There is a growing space race across Asia. In January, China became the first country to land a rover on the far side of the moon.