In a moment that resonates with India’s indomitable spirit of exploration, Chandrayaan-3’s successful landing on the Moon’s south pole has carved its name into the annals of scientific achievement. This monumental feat not only solidifies the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) standing but also propels India into an exclusive league of nations that have achieved a triumphant lunar touchdown.

The saga began on July 14, 2023, at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, as the Chandrayaan-3 mission embarked on its trailblazing journey. Comprising a lander, a rover, and an orbiter, this audacious mission set its sights on a gentle touchdown in the uncharted territory of the Moon’s south pole. The culmination of meticulous planning and relentless innovation manifested as the Vikram lander gracefully settled on lunar soil at 6:04 PM IST (00:34 UTC). Following this, the Pragyan rover embarked on its momentous expedition across the lunar expanse.

Navigating Challenges: Covering a Cosmic Distance

Undertaking an incredible journey spanning millions of kilometers, Chandrayaan-3 encountered a myriad of challenges on its path to triumph. Armed with an array of sensors, radar altimeters, laser altimeters, and navigation systems, the lander orchestrated a symphony of thruster firings to orchestrate a controlled descent. The climactic stages of the landing process were marked by meticulous maneuvers and precision execution.

Throughout this intricate dance, the lander executed a sequence of rough thrust and fine thrust phases, culminating in a triumphant landing at an approximate velocity of 2 meters per second. This success is a testament to India’s mastery of intricate space operations, where surmounting lunar obstacles is not just a feat but a revelation of prowess.

A Journey of Four Phases: Unveiling the Landing Process

The landing process of Chandrayaan-3 unfurled in four distinct phases, each a crucial thread in the tapestry of success:

1. Translunar Injection: The voyage commenced with translunar injection, a critical moment where the spacecraft was injected into a lunar transfer orbit. This intricate maneuver was executed by igniting the spacecraft’s main engine.
2. Lunar Orbit Insertion: Progressing to the lunar orbit insertion phase, the spacecraft gracefully nestled into lunar orbit. Achieving this required another ignition of the spacecraft’s main engine.
3. Rough Braking: The third phase encompassed rough braking, during which the spacecraft employed its thrusters to decelerate from its orbital velocity to a safe landing speed.
4. Fine Braking: The culminating phase was fine braking, where the spacecraft’s thrusters delicately adjusted its position and velocity for a pinpoint landing.

The Gentle Touchdown: Hovering and Precision Landing

Moments before the gentle touchdown, the lander executed a remarkable maneuver—hovering about 150 meters above the lunar surface. This poised suspension afforded the lander the opportunity to fine-tune its position and attitude, paving the way for an immaculate and successful landing.

Technical Triumphs: Defining Chandrayaan-3’s Journey

The technical achievements that propelled Chandrayaan-3 to its triumphant lunar landing are indeed commendable:

• Total Distance Covered: Chandrayaan-3 traversed a staggering distance of about 384,400 kilometers (238,900 miles) from Earth to the Moon. This interstellar voyage was conducted at an average speed of approximately 36,000 kilometers per hour (22,370 miles per hour).
• Landing Mechanism: The Vikram lander navigated its lunar descent through a powered descent and landing (PDL) system. This sophisticated system integrated an array of sensors and actuators that orchestrated a controlled descent and a safe lunar landing.

A Testament to India’s Rising Stature

The success of Chandrayaan-3 resounds as a major milestone in India’s space program. It is a reflection of India’s escalating capabilities in space exploration and an open door to new vistas of scientific inquiry on the Moon. Beyond the scientific triumph, it unfurls a message of inspiration, urging every Indian to envision the unattainable and chase the stars.

This feat bears testament to the brilliance and tenacity of Shri S. Somanath, Shri P. Veeramuthuvel, Smt. Kalpana K, Shri B. N. Ramakrishna, Shri M. Sankaran, Smt. M. Vanitha, and Shri S. Unnikrishnan Nair. Their unflagging dedication, expertise, and audacious spirit have charted a course toward the zenith of scientific exploration.

Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi’s Echo of Achievement

As the dust of accomplishment settles, the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi echo: “India is now on the Moon.” His homage to the tireless scientists and engineers underscores the monumental significance of this achievement. Chandrayaan-3’s triumph resonates as a beacon of aspiration for India’s youth, illuminating their path toward embracing science and technology.

In its wake, Chandrayaan-3 ushers in a new era of lunar exploration, one that mirrors India’s unyielding innovation and unquenchable thirst for discovery. This landing is more than a mere contact—it’s a testament to India’s resolve to conquer new frontiers and redefine human limits.

With the Utmost Respect,

Every Proud Indian