New Delhi, August 24, 2023 – India has made history today by achieving a monumental milestone in space exploration. Chandrayaan-3, the nation’s lunar mission, successfully made a soft landing on the South Pole of the moon, marking India’s indomitable spirit and scientific prowess. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt congratulations to all Indians and the dedicated team of space scientists who made this extraordinary feat possible, stating that “India will remember this day forever.”
The most critical phase of the mission commenced during the final leg of the landing. Approximately 20 minutes before touchdown, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) initiated the Automatic Landing Sequence (ALS), a precise series of maneuvers. This allowed the Vikram Lunar Module to assume control, utilizing its onboard computers and logic to meticulously identify a suitable landing site and execute a gentle lunar surface touchdown.
The success of the mission hinged on the final 15 to 20 minutes, as the Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander descended gracefully towards the lunar surface. People across India and around the world joined in prayer and anticipation for this historic moment.
Considering the challenges encountered during India’s previous lunar mission, where contact with the spacecraft was lost during the last 20 minutes of descent, ISRO took extra precautions this time. This phase, often referred to as the “20 or 17 minutes of terror,” was a high-stakes segment of the mission. During this autonomous phase, the Vikram lander autonomously ignited its engines at precisely the right moments and altitudes, showcasing the remarkable precision and cutting-edge technology employed in Chandrayaan-3.
India’s successful landing on the moon’s South Pole is not only a testament to the nation’s scientific acumen but also a moment of pride for the entire world. It opens new doors for scientific exploration and the potential discovery of valuable resources on the lunar surface. Chandrayaan-3’s accomplishment reaffirms India’s position as a global leader in space exploration and heralds a bright future for further scientific endeavors.
