India has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully landing a spacecraft near the south pole of the moon. The historic achievement drew widespread celebration across the country, marking India’s emergence as a significant player in space exploration.
The chair of the Indian Space Research Organisation, Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, declared, “India is on the moon,” as the Vikram lander of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft touched down near the lunar south pole, becoming the first-ever successful landing in this uncharted territory.
This triumph has propelled India onto the world stage as a formidable space power. The government’s aspirations to foster investment in private space launches and satellite-related enterprises have received a boost.
The momentous landing has ignited nationwide enthusiasm, with people tuning in to watch the spacecraft approach a region believed to contain essential resources like frozen water and valuable elements.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the achievement, stating, “This is a victory cry of a new India.” As the nation witnessed the landing, Modi, attending the Brics summit in South Africa, proudly waved the Indian flag.
Temples, mosques, and various religious places held special prayers for the success of the mission. Blessings were bestowed on the endeavour by Hindu monks, who also blew conch shells on the banks of the River Ganges in Varanasi.
The event has given Indians a dual reason to celebrate – not only being the first to land near the moon’s south pole but also becoming the fourth country to achieve a successful lunar landing overall.
The final moments of the landing were critical, with the lander executing a precise manoeuvre to transition from high-speed descent to a controlled vertical touchdown. The careful balance of thrust and tilt ensured a safe landing, avoiding a repeat of the 2019 mission failure.
Chandrayaan-3, named after the Sanskrit term for “moon craft,” launched from Sriharikota in southern India. Unlike the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 70s, India’s less powerful rockets necessitated a longer travel time to the moon. An orbit around Earth to gain speed was followed by a month-long lunar trajectory.
The mission’s next phase involves the rover Pragyaan, set to explore the moon’s surface for two weeks. It will conduct experiments, capture images, and investigate the presence of water ice. The discovery of significant water ice reserves could pave the way for future lunar bases, supporting vital resources for potential crew missions.
With India emerging as a major global economy and technological force, the nation’s successful lunar landing aligns with Modi’s vision of a rising India asserting its prowess in technology and space exploration. This accomplishment is expected to resonate with citizens ahead of a critical general election next year.
As Russia’s recent moon mission faltered and China pursues ambitious space goals, India’s successful lunar landing marks a significant step toward asserting its presence among the world’s space leaders.