– Syed Ahmed Ali
In a historic moment that resonated across the cosmos, Chandrayaan-3, India’s follow-on mission, achieved a graceful landing on the lunar south pole on August 23, 2023. This triumph not only solidified India’s global leadership but also marked it as the fourth nation to achieve a soft lunar landing. With precision guided by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Chandrayaan-3 showcases the nation’s prowess in space exploration, setting the stage for new horizons in scientific discovery. This success stands as a testament to the dedication of scientists, whose unwavering commitment persisted through every setback, propelling them toward this remarkable achievement.
On Wednesday, August 23, 2023, a resounding achievement unfolded as India’s follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2, the Lunar Lander Module (LLM) of Chandrayaan-3 gracefully touched down on the lunar south pole. This historic moment not only marked India’s ascendancy as the world leader but also solidified its position as the fourth nation to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface, following the footsteps of the then USSR, the U.S., and China.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), known for its relentless pursuit of excellence, steered the Chandrayaan-3 mission with precision. The mission set forth several objectives: to demonstrate a secure and gentle landing on the lunar surface, enable rover mobility on the moon, and execute in-situ scientific experiments. To fulfil these ambitious goals, the Lunar Lander Module incorporated cutting-edge technologies, showcasing India’s prowess in space exploration.
The anticipation and excitement surrounding Chandrayaan-3 had been building for months. ISRO announced the mission’s launch date, July 14, 2:35 PM, with a promise of pushing boundaries and rewriting lunar exploration history. On August 5, 2023, a pivotal milestone was achieved as Chandrayaan-3 flawlessly entered the lunar orbit, attaining the intended orbit parameters of 164 km x 18074 km. A captivating image of the Moon taken during this Lunar Orbit Insertion phase further intensified the anticipation.
As the days rolled on, August 23rd emerged as a date etched in the annals of space exploration. Chandrayaan-3, with unwavering determination, reached its final destination – the Moon. Bursting with enthusiasm, ISRO shared their triumphant accomplishment on Twitter, exclaiming, ‘I reached my destination, and you too! Chandrayaan-3 has successfully soft-landed on the moon. Congratulations, India!’
Professor Mohammed Saleem Engineer, Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, extended his heartfelt congratulations to ISRO and the entire scientific community. He lauded the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, hailing it as an occasion of immense national pride. In his words, ‘This achievement heralds a new era of space exploration and technological advancement within our country. India has now pioneered a soft landing on the lunar south pole – an accomplishment deserving of the highest acclaim. Every contributor to this monumental endeavour deserves our wholehearted praise.’
Adding to the jubilation, Mahmood A. Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, conveyed his warm congratulations to all our Indian citizens and especially to our ISRO scientists for the resounding success of Chandrayaan3. He highlighted that this remarkable feat is not only a triumph for our nation but also a monumental achievement for all of humanity. He emphasised that this achievement’s positive impact extends beyond our country’s borders, contributing to the betterment and progress of the entire world.
India’s triumphant achievement with Chandrayaan-3 shines as a beacon of inspiration, symbolising the nation’s indomitable spirit of exploration and innovation. With this successful mission, India has etched its name in lunar history, proving that the sky is not the limit – it’s just the beginning.
