Eyes fixed on television screens. Ears tuned in to the radio telecast. It was August 23, 2023. Hearts were beating and fingers were crossed. India had long anticipated this moment. Chandrayaan-3 was all set to land on the moon. And right at 6:03 PM IST, when all of India chanted prayers, the countdown began 4…3…2…1… And there we were, finally, on the moon. Gleaming smiles witnessing the moment, moist eyes reading the news, ears hearing the golden words – “India’s Chandrayaan-3 successfully lands on the moon!” The good news rolled out and has continued to unfurl since then – people are celebrating, scientists are being thanked and joy is spreading all across the country. The event has marked a significant spot in the annals of science and Indian space history. It’s a proud moment for all of us. So then, why not take a moment to dive into Chandrayaan’s journey and acknowledge all the sweat and blood that has gone into it?
“India’s Chandrayaan-3 successfully lands on the moon!”
Chandrayaan-3 – This 3,900 kg spacecraft, executing the third lunar mission of India, has not only rocketed to the moon but has also pierced the hearts of all Indians. Chandrayaan-3 consisted of an indigenous lander module (weighing 2,148 kg), a propulsion module (weighing 1,752 kg), and a rover (weighing 26 kg). Launched on 14th July 2023, from India’s main spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, the spacecraft had since then looped through the orbits of Earth. It then finally transferred to the lunar orbit, after days of industrious operations from Earth. What made this journey special, unlike most others, were multiple factors– First of all, it was the first-ever successful mission that could land on the moon’s South Pole. The South Pole of the moon, before Chandrayaan, had been an unchartered territory. Therefore, the very attempt to venture into a terrain that had till now been cloaked in shadows is remarkable in itself. Secondly, the spacecraft is designed to conduct scientific inquiries, contributing to the exploration of the moon’s southern pole. The apparatus of the Chandrayaan-3, including its rover, has been meticulously set with the aim to develop and demonstrate new technologies that might be utilized for future interplanetary missions. Isn’t that incredible?
Not one. Not two. The canvas of Chandrayaan-3’s story has been painted by thousands of scientists, engineers, and visionaries who have toiled relentlessly to make this dream mission turn into a true reality. Headed by P. Veeramuthuvel, with M. Srikant as the Mission Director, and Kalpana Kalahasti as the Associate Project Director, the team of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) scientists have entirely devoted themselves to ensuring that every step- from the launch of Chandrayaan-3 till its landing on the Moon- is executed flawlessly. The Indian space field, till now, has had its good as well as tough times. It was in 2008 when India landed on the moon with Chandrayaan 1, its first lunar mission. But in 2019, its second attempt, Chandrayaan-2, faced a setback. K Sivan, the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), disclosed that a minor operation glitch was responsible for the mishap. It was this history of the Chandrayaan that set the stage for much hope with its third attempt this time. The error that led to the failure was carefully identified and corrected in the preparation of Chandrayaan 3. Laboratories were buzzed with innovation, brainstorming sessions echoed, and simulations were run countless times– innumerable efforts were poured into this mission to make sure this attempt becomes a successful one. It was not a day’s job. The success that we today see with pride in our hearts took months of labor, experimentation, and hard work.
“India is on the Moon. We have our national pride placed on the Moon…This is no ordinary achievement; it’s a roaring announcement of India’s scientific achievement in the infinite universe,” the Prime Minister of the nation addressed Team ISRO on the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. As a young Indian student, witnessing the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 fills me with immense pride and inspiration. This achievement has not only showcased India’s technological prowess but has also instilled a sense of unity and innovation among youth. So, here’s to the dreamers, the scientists, and the believers who’ve made space exploration not just a journey through the cosmos, but a journey that has made us proud, joyful, and fortunate – a journey in the pursuit of knowledge and discovery