August 23 announced 'National Space Day' to mark Chandrayaan-3 success
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Telemetry Tracking and Command Network Mission Control Complex (ISTRAC), Bengaluru, early on Saturday to celebrate Chandrayaan-3's successful soft-landing on the Moon.
While addressing the ISRO's scientists involved in the lunar mission, PM Modi also announced August 23 as "National Space Day" to mark the historic achievement of Chandrayaan-3.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed near the Moon's South Pole on Wednesday, making India the first country to reach this part of the Moon. India also became only the fourth country to land on the lunar surface.
PM Modi had watched the live broadcast of Chandrayaan-3's historic touchdown from Johannesburg while he was attending the 15th BRICS Summit in South Africa.
Twitter Post
Check out PM Modi's annoucement of India's National Space Day
#WATCH | "On 23rd August, India hoisted flag on the Moon. From now onwards, that day will be known as National Space Day in India", says PM Modi pic.twitter.com/K16gbmUT2T
— ANI (@ANI) August 26, 2023
Details
Chandrayaan-3's landing spot named 'Shivshakti'
PM Modi further announced that the spot where the lunar lander of the Chandrayaan-3, Vikram, landed will be known as "Shivshakti."
"The spot on the lunar surface where the Chandrayaan-2 left its footprints will be known as 'Tiranga.' This will be an inspiration for every effort made by India. It will remind us any failure is not final," he added.
Twitter Post
You can watch PM Modi's address here
#WATCH | The spot where Chandrayaan-3’s moon lander landed, that point will be known as ‘Shivshakti’, announces Prime Minister Narendra Modi at ISRO Telemetry Tracking & Command Network Mission Control Complex in Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/1zCeP9du8I
— ANI (@ANI) August 26, 2023
More details
PM Modi lauds key role of women ISRO scientists
On the other hand, the prime minister also lauded the role of female ISRO scientists for their key role in making the Chandrayaan-3 mission a success.
As per the news agency ANI, PM Modi also met all the women scientists of the ISRO team involved in the Chandrayaan-3 Mission during his visit to the ISRO command center.
What Next?
India joins elite lunar landing club after Chandrayaan-3 success
Before India's groundbreaking lunar landing, only the United States (US), China, and Russia had accomplished this remarkable achievement.
With this landmark success of the Chandrayaan-3, India now proudly stands as the fourth country in the world to have successfully landed on the Moon's surface, further solidifying its position as a major player in space exploration and research.