On August 23, 2023, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a historic milestone when the Vikram lander of the Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully performed a soft landing on the Moon, fthen the deployment and motion of the Pragyan rover on the moon. In recognition of this achievement, the day is now celebrated nationally as National Space Day.
India became the fourth country in history to land on the moon and the first to walk near the Moon’s South Pole. After the successful soft landing, the Pragyan rover began exploring the lunar surface. “Shiv Shakti Point” was the precise location where the Vikram lander landed. August 23 was proclaimed “National Space Day” by the Indian government in recognition of this remarkable achievement.
National Space Meet 2.0
The National Space Meet 2.0 was held by ISRO on Friday in New Delhi. Several ministries, business stakeholders, academics, entrepreneurs, and specialists came together as part of the festivities to outline India’s space application plan, which included everything from Aryabhata (the country’s first satellite) to Gaganyaan (the next human spaceflight mission).
The occasion celebrated India’s incredible space exploration odyssey, which began with the first rocket launch in Thumba in 1963 and has since brought the country international acclaim.
Speaking at the event, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan emphasized that with ongoing space sector reforms, enhanced capabilities, and deep private sector participation, India will make a significant contribution to “Viksit Bharat 2047” (a developed India by 2047).
To inspire and engage youth in space science and its applications, the Department of Space is conducting National Space Day celebrations across the country throughout August. The Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) will also host National Space Day events later this month in Ahmedabad, Udaipur, and Mount Abu.