by Apurva Priya

India today marked the second anniversary of Chandrayaan-3, a historic mission that not only reaffirmed the nation’s growing prowess in space exploration but also etched its name in lunar history by achieving the first-ever soft landing near the Moon’s south pole.

Launched on July 14, 2023, aboard the LVM3 M4 rocket, Chandrayaan-3 was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as part of India’s ongoing lunar programme. The mission was aimed at demonstrating India’s ability to land and operate a rover on the Moon, specifically in the challenging terrain of the lunar south polar region.

The mission comprised three major components: a propulsion module, a lander module (Vikram), and a rover (Pragyan)—all designed indigenously to test and demonstrate crucial technologies for future interplanetary missions.

On August 23, 2023, Chandrayaan-3 achieved its crowning moment when Vikram lander gently touched down on the Moon, and Pragyan rover rolled out to explore the lunar surface. This made India the fourth country—after the US, Russia, and China—to successfully land on the Moon, and the first in the world to land near the Moon’s south pole, a region rich in water ice and of high scientific interest.

During its active days, the mission conducted several key experiments, including:

  • Measuring the near-surface plasma density,
  • Analyzing mineral content in the lunar soil,
  • Studying the thermal properties of the Moon’s topsoil,
  • Investigating the seismic activity of the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation after the landing, named the touchdown site ‘Shiv Shakti Point’, combining spiritual symbolism with scientific glory.

Though the Pragyan rover and Vikram lander completed their planned operations within the lunar day (about 14 Earth days), their contributions have left a lasting legacy in India’s space journey. The propulsion module, meanwhile, continues to orbit the Moon, transmitting valuable data.

As India celebrates two years of this pioneering lunar mission, ISRO gears up for its next big leap—Chandrayaan-4, expected to include sample-return capabilities, and further missions under its Gaganyaan and interplanetary programs.

Chandrayaan-3 not only boosted national pride but also marked a technological leap that put India on the global map as a serious contender in space exploration.

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