In an inspiring moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated India’s accomplishment as the Chandrayaan-3
spacecraft triumphantly touched down on the lunar surface. Speaking virtually to ISRO scientists from Johannesburg, Modi expressed his pride in India’s commitment to turning aspirations on Earth into achievements on the Moon.
With enthusiasm, he emphasized that this monumental achievement belonged not just to India, but to the entire global community. He underlined how India’s philosophy of unity – one Earth, one family, one future – resonated globally and extended even to the Moon, making this a shared success for humanity. Notably, this feat marked a significant accomplishment during India’s G20 presidency.
Highlighting the historical significance of Chandrayaan-3’s lunar landing, Modi proclaimed the dawn of a new era for India. He referred to it as a “new flight of new India,” where the pages of history had been rewritten. The Prime Minister’s pride was palpable as he waved the tricolor flag in celebration when the spacecraft’s successful landing was confirmed.
Although physically present in South Africa for the BRICS Summit, Modi’s heart and spirit remained tethered to India. He virtually joined the ISRO scientists at the Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), showing his dedication to the momentous occasion.
Chandrayaan-3’s achievement marked India’s proficiency in mastering lunar landing technology. The country became the fourth in the world, following the US, China, and the erstwhile Soviet Union, to achieve a controlled landing on the Moon’s surface. The mission’s objectives included demonstrating safe and precise landing techniques, lunar roving capabilities, and conducting on-site scientific experiments.
Chandrayaan-3 came as a follow-up to its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2. This endeavor sought to address the previous mission’s challenges and build on its foundation. The spacecraft’s launch on July 14 marked the beginning of a 41-day journey to the Moon’s southern pole.
This triumph resonated even more profoundly, considering Russia’s recent Luna-25 spacecraft mishap – a stark reminder of the challenges in space exploration.
Chandrayaan-3’s lander and rover, with their intricate sensors and cutting-edge technology, were meticulously designed to ensure a safe landing and successful exploration. The rover, nestled within the lander, holds the potential to operate for around 14 Earth days, during a lunar daylight period. The rover’s capabilities include an array of sensors for navigation, hazard detection, and capturing vital positional data.
In essence, this achievement was a testament to India’s dedication to space exploration and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of human achievement. As Chandrayaan-3 set its wheels in motion on the Moon’s surface, it marked not only a technological milestone but also a symbol of India’s indomitable spirit and global cooperation.
