In a momentous achievement for India’s space program, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully soft-landed the Chandrayaan-3 mission on the moon’s South Pole. The milestone was marked by a message sent from the spacecraft: “India, I reached my destination and you too!” This triumph establishes India as the first nation to accomplish a soft landing in the challenging South Polar region and the fourth country overall to achieve a successful moon landing.
The ISRO took to social media to share the exhilarating news, tweeting, “Chandrayaan-3 Mission: ‘India, I reached my destination and you too!’ : Chandrayaan-3. Chandrayaan-3 has successfully soft-landed on the moon! Congratulations, India!” The achievement garnered instant worldwide attention and praise for India’s prowess in space exploration.
The process of soft-landing, often referred to by ISRO officials as the “17 minutes of terror,” demanded utmost precision and coordination. The spacecraft’s lander, named Vikram, had to execute a meticulously timed engine burn while scanning the lunar surface for potential obstacles, ensuring a safe touch down. The success of this intricate operation showcased ISRO’s advanced technical capabilities and engineering prowess.
ISRO’s Chairman, S Somanath, addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the critical phase of landing, stating, “Sir we have achieved soft landing on the moon. India is now on the Moon.” The Prime Minister observed the historic event virtually, marking his presence and support for the space agency’s achievements.
The Automatic Landing Sequence (ALS), a critical element of the mission, was initiated to facilitate the Chandrayaan-3’s Lander Module (LM) to safely touch down on the lunar surface. The LM, composed of the Vikram lander and the Pragyan rover, executed a flawless landing after 6 pm, marking a monumental leap for India in space exploration.
The success of Chandrayaan-3 is a testament to India’s dedication to advancing its space program and contributing to the global scientific community. The mission’s achievement not only establishes India’s position as a spacefaring nation but also paves the way for future lunar explorations and discoveries. As India celebrates this landmark accomplishment, the world watches with admiration, recognizing the nation’s significant contribution to space exploration.
