India Lands Chandrayaan-3 Craft on Moon, Asserting Its Place in Space Tech

India has made its mark in space exploration, becoming the first country to land a probe near the moon’s south pole with the success of Chandrayaan-3. The remarkable event was completed using a fraction of what other countries have used in their space exploration budgets, marking a milestone in the nation’s quest for lunar knowledge.

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India Makes Lunar South Pole Landing

“India is on the moon,” these were the exact words triumphantly declared by Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, the chair of the Indian Space Research Organisation, or ISRO. This groundbreaking achievement marked a world-first for any space programme, demonstrating India’s newfound prowess in space exploration. The event also serves as a catalyst for increased investments in private space launches and satellite-based enterprises. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also watched the momentous landing from South Africa, where he was attending the BRICS Summit. Brandishing the Indian flag, Modi encapsulated the historic significance of the event, affirming that we are witnessing history being made. 

The Indians celebrated this dual victory almost everywhere. The fervour of the event was palpable, as the country became the first to land on the lunar south pole and the fourth to achieve a moon landing overall. 

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The Origins of ISRO

ISRO has its origins in the Indian National Committee for Space Research, or INCOSPAR, which was set up under the prime ministership of Jawaharlal Nehru in 1962. INCOSPAR grew to become ISRO in 1969 within the Department of Atomic Energy, or DAE. ISRO built Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, which was launched by Interkosmos, the Soviet space agency, in 1975. 

ISRO’s previous practice run, Chandrayaan-2’s lander, failed to safely land on the moon in 2019. However, its orbiter continues to operate nominally around the moon. The practice run for Chandrayaan-2 was Chandrayaan-1, which successfully inserted an orbiter around the moon and functioned for eight months. Each mission was a test for the subsequent one, which ultimately culminated in the Chandrayaan-3 mission. 

A Nation United in Anticipation

As the spacecraft navigated its approach to the uncharted lunar south pole, the entire nation remained captivated by the unfolding mission thanks to the amount of coverage given. The lunar region holds immense promise for space exploration and studies. Scientists believe that the region contains essential reserves of frozen water and valuable elements. 

The lander executed a meticulously choreographed manoeuvre in the moments leading up to the touchdown. It transitioned from a horizontal to a vertical position, decelerating from 3,730 miles per hour to nearly zero. 

This stage required the balancing of force and thrust. Too much or too little force could have resulted in disaster. This crucial manoeuvre proved important, as lessons from the country’s previous moon mission in 2019 highlighted the risks associated with this phase. 

Chandrayaan-3’s Lunar Rover’s Mission

Chandrayaan-3, aptly named “Moon craft” in Sanskrit, embarked on its journey from Sriharikota in southern India on July 14, 2023. Distinguished by its elongated trajectory compared to the expedited Apollo missions of the 60s and 70s, Chandrayaan-3 used a series of Earth orbits to gradually build momentum before embarking on its month-long voyage to the moon. 

The mission’s next phase has already started. The rover, named Pragyan, meaning “Wisdom” in Sanskrit, has disembarked from the lander. Pragyan is armed with the capability to capture images, investigate the presence of water ice, and conduct geological experiments. ISRO has released a video of the Pragyan rover rolling out of the lander, signalling the start of the next phase of the mission. Both the lander and rover are set to do their tasks on one lunar day, equivalent to 14 earth days. 

The potential presence of water ice is of significant interest, as it can have far-reaching implications. If found in substantial quantities, water ice could facilitate future manned missions by providing a vital source of fuel and oxygen. Experts have pointed out the potential for the lunar south pole to be a location for future bases. 

What the Success of Chandrayaan-3 Means for India

India’s achievement coincides with its growing prominence on the global stage, particularly as the world’s fifth-largest economy. Prime Minister Modi’s administration aims to showcase India’s technological might and space capabilities. The success of the mission aligns with the nation’s position among global technological leaders. It is also expected to bolster Modi’s popularity in the lead-up to a critical general election next year. 

With Russia’s recent lunar mission failing and China’s continued advancements in space exploration, India’s success takes on even greater significance. As China aims to send astronauts to the moon and establish a space station, India’s successful landing provides a counterpoint and reaffirms its position as a formidable competitor in the space race. 

Conclusion

India’s achievement in successfully landing near the south pole marks a historic moment for the nation. This accomplishment not only positions India as a significant space power but also underscores its ambitions in technology and innovation on the global stage. As India continues to advance its space exploration efforts, the world watches in anticipation. 

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Frequently Asked Questions 

What Was the First Satellite Launched by ISRO?

ISRO launched its first satellite on April 19, 1975. Named Aryabhata, it was India’s first satellite to be launched by the Soviet Union and was built to conduct experiments in solar physics, X-ray astronomy, and aeronomics. 

What Was the Total Budget of Chandrayaan-3?

The total budget for Chandrayaan-3 is around Rs 615 crore, or $74 million. It is considered the most cost-effective space mission compared to other countries’ lunar missions and is even less expensive than many Hollywood films. 

What Is the Inspiration for Chandrayaan-3’s Lander and Rover Names?

Chandrayaan-3 consists of a lander and rover named Vikram and Pragyan, respectively. The Chandrayaan-3 mission’s lander is named after Vikram Sarabhai, the founder of India’s Space programme. Sarabhai was an Indian physicist and astronomer who was honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 1966 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1972.