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New Delhi, August 22, 2024 – India is celebrating the first anniversary of its historic Chandrayaan-3 mission, which successfully achieved a soft landing near the Moon’s South Pole in August of last year. This landmark accomplishment has not only marked a significant milestone for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) but has also earned recognition on the global stage.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission, which saw the Vikram lander module safely touch down on the lunar surface, was a defining moment for India’s space exploration efforts. The mission’s success was achieved amid intense anticipation, with the crucial 20-minute descent described as a period of “terror” by many. The successful landing was met with widespread relief and elation, as it followed the unsuccessful attempts of six other missions to achieve a similar feat, including Russia’s Luna 25, which crashed just 48 hours prior.
In recognition of their achievement, the scientists and engineers at ISRO were awarded the prestigious Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, India’s highest award in science and technology. This accolade underscores the mission’s significance and the dedication of the team behind it.
The anniversary of this historic event will be commemorated on August 23 as National Space Day in India. The celebration will honor not only the success of Chandrayaan-3 but also the broader achievements of Indian space exploration.
Dr. S Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, expressed his pride and joy in the mission’s success. “It was such a beautiful day for India… I had no doubt in my mind that we would hit the bullseye. I was at ease, and the joy of my teammates was lovely,” he shared with NDTV, reflecting on the mission’s triumph.
Chandrayaan-3’s successful landing has placed India at the forefront of space exploration, with the mission serving as a symbol of innovation and perseverance in the quest to explore the Moon.
