Ahead of the launch, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) issued a video presenting the mission in the form of a trailer for a sci-fi blockbuster.

An off-screen female voice refers to the Chandrayaan 2 as a mission 'capturing the imagination of millions of Indians,' which is sent to explore 'a new world and a new home'

The ambitious project, which ISRO head Kailasavadivoo Sivan called 'the most complex mission his agency has ever undertaken,' involves delivering an orbiter, a lander, and a rover to the Moon.

The three mission components carry an array of scientific instruments, including spectrometers, radars, plasma sensors, and cameras, some of which are able to analyze the Moon’s surface at the level of its elemental composition.

Coincidentally, the UK is to hand over £98 million pounds to India in foreign aid.

As part of the UK's aid budget, the Department for International Development (DfID) will give £52m this year and a further £46m in 2019/20.

Author's comment: A review of foreign aid is urgently needed. India does not want or need UK aid - and as Tory MP David Davies recently said - 'in effect we are sponsoring an Indian moon launch'.