In a groundbreaking achievement, two Indian robotic explorers, the lander named Vikram and the rover named Pragyan, successfully touched down on the southern polar region of the moon on a momentous Wednesday. This significant accomplishment, carried out under the Chandrayaan3 mission, has made India the first nation in the world to land on the Southern Pole of the Moon and thereby also propelled India into the exclusive club of countries that have managed to land intact on the lunar surface. India now stands as only the fourth nation ever to achieve a successful moon landing.
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), renowned for its remarkable accomplishments in space exploration, has yet again captured the world’s attention. With endeavors that include orbiting the moon and Mars and launching satellites with limited resources, ISRO’s achievements are held in high esteem by the Indian public. The success of Chandrayaan-3, however, takes this sense of national pride to new heights.
“We have achieved soft landing on the moon,” announced S. Somanath, Director of ISRO, as jubilation swept through the ISRO compound. “India is on the moon.“
Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on an official visit to South Africa, acknowledged the momentous achievement. His face illuminated the control room screens in the final moments of the landing, declaring it as “the moment for new, developing India.”
Key highlights:
1. The Indian mission commenced in July, adopting a fuel-efficient trajectory to reach the moon. Vikram, the Indian lander, managed to outlast its Russian counterpart, Luna-25, which experienced an engine malfunction and tragically crashed before reaching the intended landing site.
2. India’s ability to outperform nations that have achieved monumental milestones in space travel underscores the country’s enduring commitment to scientific and technological advancement in support of its space program.
3. The chosen date for the landing, August 23, was strategically aligned with the sunrise at the landing site. The mission’s activities are set to conclude two weeks later, coinciding with the sunset. During this time, the solar-powered lander and rover will utilize various instruments to gather thermal, seismic, and mineralogical data.
4. The successful landing was witnessed by approximately 7 million viewers on the Indian Space Research Organization’s YouTube channel, alongside a multitude of others tuning in through Indian TV broadcasts.
5. Collaborating with the Indian Space Research Organization, NASA’s Deep Space Network, an array of large dish antennas, has played a pivotal role in facilitating communication with Chandrayaan-3.
6. As the director of ISRO, S. Somanath, rightfully pointed out, India’s space program is characterized by its cost-effective missions, achieving remarkable feats with fewer resources compared to other major players in the field. This accomplishment reinforces the nation’s prowess in harnessing science and technology for space exploration.
7/ Bill Nelson, the administrator of NASA, extended his congratulations to ISRO through the platform formerly known as Twitter, emphasizing NASA’s role as a partner in this historic mission. NASA’s Deep Space Network played a crucial role by providing communication support for Chandrayaan-3.
The triumphant landing of Chandrayaan-3 marks not only a significant scientific achievement but also a testament to India’s dedication to space exploration and technological innovation. With its eyes set on new frontiers and a promising future, India has cemented its place in the annals of space exploration history!