India’s latest space mission entered the Moon’s orbit on Saturday ahead of the country’s second attempt at a lunar landing.
Only three nations – the US, China, and the former Soviet Union – have ever touched down on Earth’s satellite, and none have successfully made it to the dark side. India is aiming to become the first one to do it. In what would be a landmark achievement for not just the country’s space programme, but humanity’s efforts to explore the cosmos, Chandrayaan-3 will attempt to land on the lunar south pole.
This was made known by the Indian Space Research Organisation via Facebook.
“Chandrayaan-3 has been successfully inserted into the lunar orbit,” the agency posted.
Launched in mid-July, the mission underwent multiple orbits around Earth, gradually accumulating the required velocity for its upcoming expedition.
Upon a successful landing on Wednesday, a solar-powered rover will initiate exploration of the relatively uncharted lunar south pole, relaying crucial data back to Earth throughout its two-week operational period.
A former Pakistani politician, Fawad Hussain, on Wednesday, posted on X (formerly Twitter) over the feat.
“All eyes on #Chandryaan3 Moon landing 5:40 PM, great day for Indian Science Community and Space scientists, Congratulations to people of India on this great achievement,” he posted.
Also, Indian capital New Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, on Wednesday, posted images of children from a school in south Delhia on X.
Kejriwal was “delighted to see the sincere interest and enthusiasm” of the kids.
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