India's Space Odyssey and Its Blessings

India became the first country in the world to land in the Southern Polar Region of the moon when Chandrayaan-3 made a perfect touchdown on 24 August 2023

- DR RESHAM SATYANI

The lunar South Pole is of special interest to scientists because of water or ice in its permanently-shadowed craters, and rich minerals that need to be explored. Previously, the lunar South Pole had only been photographed by orbiters that established that the region is suitable for a human outpost.

This is an unforgettable moment of victory and pride for India. ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 mission teaches us to reach for the moon and stars, making us believe in our own abilities. It shows us how to deal with failure and learn from past mistakes, using the learnings to improve and succeed.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the space agency of the Government of India, responsible for India’s space research, satellite development, and space exploration. ISRO was founded in 1969 by Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the Father of the Indian Space Programme.

ISRO has achieved significant milestones and undertaken a wide range of important projects that have contributed to India’s technological advancement and global recognition in the field of space. Here are some of them:

1. Aryabhata Satellite (1975): India’s first satellite that marked India’s entry into the field of space technology.

2. Satellite Launch Vehicles: ISRO developed a series of indigenous satellite launch vehicles, including the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).

3. Rohini Satellite Series (1980s):

Used for scientific research, remote sensing and communication purposes.