India's Space Agency Launches Rocket to Lunar South Pole

On Friday, July 14, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its Chandrayaan-3 mission, aiming to land a spacecraft at the lunar south pole.

This ambitious endeavor, if successful, will make India the fourth country to achieve a controlled lunar landing, joining the ranks of the United States, the former Soviet Union, and China.

With the launch of Chandrayaan-3, India's position as a significant space power is set to advance significantly.

India's Chandrayaan-3 Spacecraft

Reuters reports that the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft, named after the Sanskrit term for "moon vehicle," is expected to land at the lunar south pole on August 23.

This area holds special interest for space agencies and private companies due to the presence of water ice, which could potentially support future space missions and even establish a lunar space station.

Landing at the lunar south pole is a notable milestone that no other country has accomplished to date.

The mission follows in the footsteps of India's previous lunar endeavor, Chandrayaan-2, which successfully deployed an orbiter around the moon but experienced a failed landing attempt near the lunar south pole.

With Chandrayaan-3, ISRO aims to rectify the setbacks of the previous mission and achieve a successful touchdown.

A Closer Look at the Spacecraft

Aljazeera reports that the spacecraft consists of a lander called Vikram and a rover named Pragyan, standing at an impressive two-meter height.

Once deployed, the rover will conduct experiments and collect valuable data during its expected two-week operational lifespan.

This data will contribute to scientific research and help expand our understanding of the moon's composition and geological features.

The launch of Chandrayaan-3 marks a significant milestone for India's space program and aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has emphasized the country's role in space exploration.

Modi, who is currently visiting France, took to Twitter to express his support, stating that the mission carries "the hopes and dreams of our nation."

Public Excitement Over Launch

The successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 has been met with widespread excitement and national pride.

Over 6 million people tuned in to watch the launch on ISRO's YouTube channel, with many offering congratulations and chanting the patriotic slogan "Jai Hind" (Victory to India).

The mission represents a pivotal moment for India as it enters the next phase of its space endeavors.

This milestone achievement comes as a result of India's concerted efforts to boost investment in space launches and satellite-based businesses.

Since 2020 India opened its doors to private launches, the number of space startups in the country has more than doubled.

Last year, Skyroot Aerospace, with investments from Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC, successfully launched India's first privately built rocket.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission also highlights the growing collaborations between India and other space agencies.

What's Next?

Recently, India reached an agreement with the United States to undertake a joint mission to the International Space Station in 2024.

Additionally, ISRO is developing its own spacecraft, Gaganyaan, for crewed missions to orbit, further solidifying India's presence in the global space community.

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