India’s Journey to the Moon: A Milestone in Space Exploration

By Ankush Roy -

India’s Journey to the Moon: A Milestone 

in Space Exploration



India's journey to the Moon has been a remarkable success, innovation, and determination. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has put India on the global space map with its Chandrayaan missions, propelling the nation into the elite space-exploring countries. From confirming the presence of water on the Moon to aiming for soft landings near the lunar south pole, India’s space missions have captured the world’s attention and demonstrated India's growing space capabilities.

Chandrayaan-1: India’s First Lunar Mission

India’s journey to the Moon began with Chandrayaan-1, launched on October 22, 2008. It was India’s first lunar mission and represented a significant milestone in its space program. The mission's main objective was to orbit the Moon and gather data about the lunar surface and its composition.

One of the biggest accomplishments of Chandrayaan-1 was the discovery of water molecules on the Moon, a groundbreaking finding that has changed the way we look at our nearest celestial neighbor. Before this mission, there was uncertainty about the presence of water on the Moon. Chandrayaan-1’s Moon Impact Probe (MIP) ejected from the spacecraft and landed on the lunar surface, confirming that water molecules were present in the Moon’s soil. This discovery opened up new possibilities for future missions and even the potential for human habitation on the Moon.

Chandrayaan-1 operated for almost 10 months, during which it sent back valuable data about the Moon’s surface, minerals, and atmosphere. It was considered a resounding success, marking India’s entry into lunar exploration and making ISRO a major player in the global space community.

Chandrayaan-2: A Bold and Ambitious Mission

Following the success of Chandrayaan-1, ISRO aimed higher with its second lunar mission, Chandrayaan-2. Launched on July 22, 2019, Chandrayaan-2 was a much more complex mission compared to its predecessor. This time, India was not only aiming to orbit the Moon but also to land a rover on its surface and explore the unexplored lunar South Pole.

The mission had three parts:

  1. Orbiter: The spacecraft that would orbit the Moon and send data back to Earth.
  2. Vikram Lander: The lander designed to make a soft landing on the Moon.
  3. Pragyan Rover: A small rover designed to explore the lunar surface and send back images and data.

While the orbiter successfully reached the Moon’s orbit and continues to send data, the Vikram Lander faced challenges. During the final stages of its descent to the Moon’s surface, communication was lost, and the lander crash-landed on the Moon. Although the landing did not go as planned, the orbiter remains fully operational and is still sending back valuable data about the Moon's surface and its mineral composition.

Despite the setback, Chandrayaan-2 was praised globally for its ambition and innovation. It showcased India’s ability to carry out complex space missions and the country’s determination to learn from challenges. The mission continues to be a major learning experience for ISRO as they prepare for future lunar exploration.

Chandrayaan-3: A Second Attempt to Land on the Moon



Chandrayaan-3: India’s First Successful Lunar Landing

Learning from the challenges faced in Chandrayaan-2, ISRO launched Chandrayaan-3 on July 14, 2023. This mission focused solely on landing a spacecraft on the Moon. On August 23, 2023, Chandrayaan-3’s lander, Vikram, successfully made a soft landing on the lunar south pole, making India the fourth country to land on the Moon and the first to reach the Moon’s south pole.

Key Achievements of Chandrayaan-3:

  1. Lunar South Pole Landing: Chandrayaan-3 made a successful landing at the lunar south pole, a region previously unexplored by other missions, the area is named as Satio Shiv Shakti by ISRO. This area is crucial for future space missions due to its potential water ice deposits, which could support future lunar habitats and be used to produce rocket fuel.

  2. Pragyan Rover: After the successful landing, the Pragyan rover was deployed to explore the lunar surface. It conducted experiments and sent back valuable data about the Moon's surface composition and environment.

  3. First Country at the South Pole: Chandrayaan-3's success made India the first country to explore the south pole of the Moon, a region considered key for future lunar exploration due to its unique geological characteristics.

  4. International Impact: India’s successful lunar landing has enhanced its position in the global space community, showcasing its technological prowess and cost-effective approach to space missions.

Why the Moon’s South Pole?

The lunar South Pole is a region that has long fascinated scientists. Unlike other parts of the Moon, some areas of the South Pole are permanently in shadow and could potentially harbor water ice. This makes it a key target for exploration, as water is essential for life and could also be used to create rocket fuel for future space missions.

By landing near the Moon’s South Pole, India is contributing to a global effort to understand this unique region better. Chandrayaan-3 is expected to focus on studying the surface, searching for signs of water, and gathering information that will help in planning future human missions.

The Future of India’s Lunar Exploration

India’s lunar missions have set the stage for even more ambitious space exploration projects. With Chandrayaan-3 on the horizon, ISRO is determined to master the art of landing on the Moon and gather more critical data that will contribute to global knowledge of the Moon’s surface.

Additionally, India is planning to participate in other international space collaborations and contribute to future missions, including potential missions to Mars and Venus. ISRO’s cost-effective approach and dedication to innovation continue to position India as a leader in the global space community.

Conclusion: A Proud Journey

India’s journey to the Moon is a story of perseverance, ambition, and innovation. From the success of Chandrayaan-1 in discovering water on the Moon to the bold attempt of Chandrayaan-2, India has shown that it is not afraid to take on ambitious space projects. As Chandrayaan-3 prepares to take off, the world is watching to see how India continues to push the boundaries of lunar exploration.

Through these missions, India has not only contributed to the global understanding of the Moon but has also inspired a new generation of scientists and engineers. ISRO’s achievements are a source of national pride, and the future looks bright for India's continued exploration of the Moon and beyond.

Know more about ISRO in my other blog 

The rise of ISRO

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