In a feat that has captured the imaginations of space enthusiasts worldwide, India has etched its name in the annals of lunar exploration history. With unparalleled precision and an unwavering spirit, India has not only become the fourth nation to achieve a moon landing but has also become the very first country to land on the enigmatic south pole of Earth’s celestial companion.
This remarkable success speaks volumes about India’s scientific prowess and sets a new benchmark for future lunar endeavours.
In a dramatic flourish that echoed through time and space, the ‘Vikram’ lander housing ‘Pragyan’ rover gently nestled onto the lunar surface at 6:04 pm, sparking jubilant cheers and applause among the assembled space scientists in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru.
This triumphant moment was an affirmation of India’s unrelenting dedication and pursuit of cutting-edge technology. The nation’s previous attempt in 2019, though met with challenges, only fuelled the determination to conquer new frontiers, and now, India joins the ranks of the United States, the Soviet Union, and China in the exclusive club of lunar achievers.
Even the heavens seemed to cheer as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, watching the historic landing from the BRICS nations summit in South Africa, waved the nation’s tricolored flag in a gesture of shared pride. “India is now on the moon,” he proclaimed with evident joy. “India has reached the south pole of the moon — no other country has achieved that. We are witnessing history.”
This epoch-making achievement comes hot on the heels of Russia’s lunar misfortune, where the Luna-25 mission met an untimely end as it veered off course and crashed. Amidst this backdrop, India’s success shines bright as the world put all its faith on Chandrayaan-3.
The successful soft landing at the lunar south pole holds immense promise. Scientists have long speculated about the potential presence of vital reserves of frozen water in this uncharted territory. The significance of this mission goes beyond national boundaries, transcending to the realm of global collaboration and shared human endeavour.
India’s Chandrayaan-3, aptly named “moon craft” in Sanskrit, embarked on its journey from Sriharikota on July 14. As the Indian Space Research Organisation eloquently stated, this mission is a testament to India’s prowess in science, engineering, technology, and industry. The successful landing has not only stoked the fires of curiosity but also ignite a passion for exploration among the youth, fostering an environment of scientific inquiry and innovation.
As Chandrayaan-3’s lander and rover module traverse the lunar landscape, they carry payloads designed to unveil the Moon’s mysteries. The secrets held within the lunar soil and rocks, including their chemical and elemental compositions, promise to reshape our understanding of this ancient celestial body.
Amidst the stark expanse of the Moon’s surface, a remarkable event unfolds. Pragyan, the rover, poised to leave a literal indelible mark upon the lunar soil, is a silent sentinel to India’s journey into the cosmos.
A set of footprints, adorned with the emblem of ISRO and India, will be etched upon the Moon’s surface. As an eternal symbol of New India’s commitment to scientific advancement and the boundless frontiers of space exploration.
Pragyan’s mission to measure lunar quakes from the Moon’s enigmatic South Pole has never been undertaken by any other country. The last seismic activity recorded on the Moon dates back to 1977, positioned on its near side. ISRO’s ILSA (Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity) aspires to transcend the boundaries of lunar science, unravelling the geological dynamics of the Moon.
As Pragyan’s wheels are set to leave their imprints on the lunar surface, a wave of jubilation reverberates across India. The waving of the tricolour flag across India was accompanied by the crackle of celebratory fireworks. From the farthest reaches of the globe, congratulatory messages pour in.
India’s dedication to lunar exploration propels humanity toward a new era of space discovery. The Moon, once a distant silver orb, now becomes a canvas for scientific exploration, where international cooperation can unravel its enigmas and shape the course of human history.
This triumphant leap demonstrates that the cosmic canvas is wide open for all nations to etch their indelible marks in the sands of space and time. All it takes is commitment, determination, and vision.