Technology
India becomes the fourth country to land on the moon
Previously, only the United States, China, and Russia had successfully completed moon landings
August 24, 2023 9:06am
Updated: August 24, 2023 9:06am
India landed its Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on the southern polar region of the moon on Wednesday, becoming the fourth country in world history to do so.
Chandrayaan-3 launched off the Satish Dhawan Space Center in southeastern India on July 14. India’s lander, called Vikram, carefully approached the lunar surface and touched down at around 8:30 a.m. ET. Inside the lander was Pragyan, a six-wheeled rover that will be used to roam around the moon’s surface and capture data to help researchers analyze the moon’s surface.
BREAKING: INDIA MAKES SPACE HISTORY
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 23, 2023
India has become the first country to land at the Moon’s south pole, making it the fourth country to reach the Moon, after Russia, the U.S. and China.
Chandrayaan-3, which means “Mooncraft” in Sanskrit, launched in July and has been repeatedly… pic.twitter.com/aZsaPKAUp5
“On this joyous occasion…I would like to address all the people of the world,” said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “India’s successful moon mission is not just India’s alone. This is a year in which the world is witnessing India’s G20 presidency. Our approach of one Earth, one family, one future is resonating across the globe.”
The historical move could pave the way for India to become one of the world’s superpowers entering the space race. Previously, only the United States, China, and Russia had successfully completed moon landings.
What a proud moment. #Hindustanzindabad tha hai or rahega
— Sunny Deol (@iamsunnydeol) August 23, 2023
Congratulations to @ISRO on the successful soft landing of #Chandrayaan3 on the moon. A momentous feat in the history of India's space exploration. Proud!!!#Chandrayaan3Landing #chandrayaan_3 #ISRO #MoonMission pic.twitter.com/vzalkeJAOY
Additionally, the Indian spacecraft landed closer to the moon’s south pole, an area that no other spacecraft has ventured to in history. It was India's second attempt at landing near the south pole after it failed its first attempt at a lunar touchdown in September 2019.
The moon’s south pole, which remains largely uncharted, is thought to be a key area for scientific research as it is believed to hold water ice deposits. According to scientists, these deposits could be converted into rocket fuel or drinking water for future astronauts visiting the moon.
India’s attempt to land on the south pole of the moon comes days after Russia attempted the same landing with its Luna 25 spacecraft. However, the spacecraft crashed into the moon on Aug. 19 after an engine firing that went awry.
