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Chandrayaan-3’s success is a continuation of India’s pioneering efforts in lunar exploration, which began with the Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2008. That mission was instrumental in discovering water molecules on the Moon, a finding that has shaped subsequent lunar research read more
 "ISRO to release unseen photos, data from Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Lander, Pragyan Rover")
The Chandrayaan-3 mission, which achieved a soft landing on the Moon, made India the fourth country to accomplish this feat, joining the ranks of the United States, the Soviet Union, and China. Notably, India became the first country to land near the lunar South Pole. Image Credit: ISRO
India is celebrating its first-ever National Space Day today, August 23, marking a year since the historic landing of Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram Lander on the Moon’s South Pole.
This day has been designated by the central government to honour the remarkable achievements of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and to inspire future generations with the wonders of space exploration.
National Space Day is intended to ignite interest in space science and technology among young minds, enhancing public awareness about the significance of space exploration. This celebration is also a reflection of national pride, showcasing India’s technological advancements and its growing influence in the global space community.
To commemorate this occasion, the government has launched a month-long campaign aimed at highlighting the successes of India’s space missions.
This campaign will travel across schools and public spaces, engaging with the public and educating them about the intricacies of space science. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore detailed models of India’s first two launch pads and learn about historic missions like Chandrayaan-1 and the Indian Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan).
The theme for this inaugural National Space Day is “Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India’s Space Saga,” which emphasises the profound impact of the country’s space program on everyday life and its strides in technological innovation.
Says Suyash Singh, Co-founder and CEO of GalaxEye Space, “By celebrating National Space Day on a grand scale, we can inspire and empower the next generation of space enthusiasts to contribute to India’s growing space industry. Initiatives like these are crucial for our nation to tap into the vast potential of the global space economy and secure a larger share, driving innovation, growth, and prosperity for years to come.”
The day is packed with events designed to captivate and educate, including space-themed exhibits, demonstrations, panel discussions, and cultural programs. These activities are all geared towards generating interest in space science and motivating young minds to pursue careers in this exciting field.
Later in the day, ISRO will also release some never-seen-before photos and other data from the mission, on the Pradaan portal.
Some of the images and videos were accidentally published last night, before being taken down.
The first images from the Chandrayaan-3 mission are now out on ISRO's PRADAN website!
Below are the left and right NavCam images of Pragyan rover taken just as it was about to exit the ramp.
More data can be accessed here- https://t.co/m3TZBY1UHH pic.twitter.com/TKbGOmefC5
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, highlighted the significance of National Space Day in showcasing India’s rapid advancements in space exploration.
He emphasised the importance of the day in encouraging future talent and nurturing the growth of the Indian space sector. In recent months, the space industry has seen a surge in activity, with the number of space startups increasing from just a few to around 300, many of which have the potential to make a global impact.
National Space Day also serves as a tribute to India’s expanding space economy and scientific achievements. It reminds the nation of the vital contributions space exploration makes to technological progress and national pride. The celebration reflects the growing recognition of India’s role in the global space arena, especially following the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
In addition to the public events, ISRO has organised outreach activities through its network of 120 registered Space Tutors. These educators are hosting talks, quizzes, and exhibitions across the country, engaging with communities and spreading knowledge about space science.
A unique initiative by ISRO is the national-level hackathon, which presents students with complex problem statements related to space exploration. The best teams from this competition will be selected to compete in the finale, with the top performers earning internships at ISRO centres.
The winners will also have the opportunity to showcase their innovations during the National Space Day celebrations.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission, which achieved a soft landing on the Moon, made India the fourth country to accomplish this feat, joining the ranks of the United States, the Soviet Union, and China. Notably, India became the first country to land near the lunar South Pole, a region of significant scientific interest. This mission built upon the lessons learned from Chandrayaan-2, which, despite failing to achieve a soft landing in 2019, provided valuable data about the Moon.
Chandrayaan-3’s success is a continuation of India’s pioneering efforts in lunar exploration, which began with the Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2008. That mission was instrumental in discovering water molecules on the Moon, a finding that has shaped subsequent lunar research.
As National Space Day unfolds, ISRO is set to release previously unseen photos and data from the Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover, offering the public a deeper glimpse into the groundbreaking work being done by India’s space scientists. This day not only celebrates past achievements but also looks ahead to the future, inspiring a new generation to reach for the stars.
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English (US) ·