Historic Success: Chandrayaan-3 Spacecraft Lands on Moon’s Uncharted South Pole
In a remarkable achievement, an Indian spacecraft has achieved a historic landing on the rugged and unexplored southern region of the moon. This milestone is not only a significant step in lunar exploration but also a testament to India’s prowess in space technology. The successful landing comes just days after a Russian lander faced a mishap during a similar endeavour.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently attending a BRICS summit in South Africa, expressed his elation by stating, “This moment is unforgettable. It is phenomenal. This is a victory cry of a new India.” As the Indian flag fluttered in the wind, he symbolized the nation’s triumph. The success of this mission holds great importance for both India’s scientific advancements and its status as a space-capable nation.
With the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft, India has become the fourth country, following the United States, China, and the former Soviet Union, to achieve a soft landing on the moon. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) led the endeavour, and S. Somanath, the chief of ISRO, jubilantly proclaimed, “India is on the moon.”
The challenging South Pole landing is particularly noteworthy due to the harsh terrain. However, this region is rich in potential resources, such as ice that could serve as fuel, oxygen, and even drinking water for future space missions. The landing’s success was a result of meticulous planning and technical prowess.
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated India on this achievement, acknowledging the progress made by the nation in the field of science and technology. Similarly, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson extended his congratulations, highlighting India’s collaboration with NASA and expressing enthusiasm for future joint ventures.
Chandrayaan-3’s achievement was the result of persistent efforts. The Indian moon vehicle’s earlier attempt, Chandrayaan-2, had successfully deployed an orbiter but faced a setback when its lander crashed in 2019. Learning from that experience, Chandrayaan-3 was launched, captivating the attention of millions who watched the event live on YouTube.
The expression “Chandrayaan” can be understood as “lunar vehicle” when translated from Hindi and Sanskrit. The current mission, Chandrayaan-3, is expected to function for around two weeks. During this time, it will conduct various experiments, including analyzing the mineral composition of the lunar surface using a spectrometer.
The moon rover, part of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, will gradually exit the spacecraft. This successful landing not only boosts India’s confidence but also paves the way for potential future missions to Mars and Venus. Additionally, India has plans to launch a sun study mission in September. Furthermore, preparations for a human space flight are underway, with a potential launch date of around 2024.
This achievement is a testament to India’s ability to achieve cost-effective yet impactful space missions. The Chandrayaan-3 mission was executed within a budget of approximately $74 million, significantly lower than the production cost of the Hollywood movie “Gravity” in 2013.
The significance of landing on the moon’s south pole goes beyond national pride. The region’s unexplored nature provides an opportunity to study lunar resources, particularly the presence of water ice. Carla Filotico, a partner and managing director at SpaceTec Partners, emphasized the importance of this achievement in advancing our understanding of lunar geology.
The anticipation leading up to the landing was palpable across India. Banner headlines in newspapers, countdowns on news channels, and nationwide prayers demonstrated the collective excitement. Citizens gathered at places of worship, including mosques and Sikh temples, to offer prayers for a successful landing.
Children and adults alike waved the Indian tricolour flag as they watched live screenings of the landing. Along the banks of the revered Ganga River, people prayed for the mission’s success. This achievement highlights not only India’s economic progress but also its scientific and technological advancements.
In essence, the triumphant landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon’s south pole is a historic milestone that propels India’s space exploration journey to new heights. With eyes set on future missions to Mars, Venus, and beyond, India is carving its path as a significant player in the global space arena. This achievement is not only a win for science and technology but also a testament to the spirit of innovation and determination that drives human progress.