India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission has achieved a historic feat by successfully landing on the moon’s south pole after a 40-day journey from the Sathish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota. Overcoming a history of space crash setbacks, this achievement marks a significant milestone for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The Vikram lander, which previously faced a lunar surface crash during the Chandrayaan-2 mission, has finally reached its destination on the moon’s southern region. ISRO announced the activation of the automatic landing sequence, deploying an algorithm to guide the spacecraft’s precise landing.
Chandrayaan-3’s primary mission is to exhibit ISRO’s capability for a gentle moon landing. Following its successful landing, the spacecraft is expected to operate for approximately two weeks, conducting a series of experiments. One notable experiment involves using a spectrometer to analyze the mineral composition of the lunar surface.
The decision to land near the moon’s south pole holds strategic significance. The potential presence of water ice in this region has captured scientific interest, with experts emphasizing its importance for lunar geology studies. Carla Filotico, a partner at consultancy SpaceTec Partners, emphasized the scientific value of this endeavor.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission’s accomplishment places India in an esteemed group of nations that have achieved a soft moon landing. Russia, China, and the United States were previously the only members of this exclusive club. The mission follows a past space crash, showcasing ISRO’s resilience and determination in space exploration.
The Chandrayaan-3 Rover is primed to execute on-site chemical analysis of the lunar surface during its traversal. The Rover will be deployed by the Vikram lander, leading to a meticulous soft landing at the moon’s south pole—a pivotal moment for India’s space program.
This achievement reverberates with the legacy of Vikram Sarabhai, a pioneer in India’s space exploration, whose name graces the Vikram lander. As Chandrayaan-3’s journey unfolds, the world watches with anticipation to witness the advancements and scientific discoveries that this mission is poised to unveil.