ISRO Moon Missions of India that Made us All Proud!

The space research organization of India has attained some incredible achievements till now. From the most cost-effective projects to global-firsts, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) continues to create history. So on National Space Day, let's look at some of the moon missions of India that skyrocketed every Indian's pride. 

National Space Day

National Space Day 2024, observed on August 23, celebrates the achievements and contributions of space exploration with a theme centered on inspiring future generations and fostering wonder about the cosmos. The day is marked by a collection of 50 motivating quotes and well-wishes that highlight the impact of space science and encourage ongoing curiosity and support for the field. The day reflects the profound influence of space exploration on human progress and innovation, underscoring the importance of continued advancements and exploration in the realm of space.

ISRO's Journey

India’s space journey, spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), began in the 1960s with modest resources like bullock carts and bicycles and a vision to leverage space technology for national development. From its early satellite launches and the establishment of its own launch vehicle programme, ISRO steadily made groundbreaking advancements, including the successful Chandrayaan-1 lunar mission and the Mars Orbiter Mission, which showcased its capability to achieve complex interplanetary objectives. The organisation's innovative, cost-effective approach has enabled significant milestones such as the Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing in 2023, highlighting India's growing prominence in global space exploration. ISRO's evolution from a small team to a leader in space technology illustrates its commitment to advancing science and contributing to international space achievements.

ISRO's Moon Missions

Indian Space Research Organization - ISRO has done some remarkable work in the field of space research. After lifting-off on July 14, 2023, India's third Moon Mission reaped success as Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft made a soft-landing on the south pole of lunar surface on August 23.National Space Day

Chandrayaan 1

Chandrayaan-1 was India's first lunar probe. Simply put, it was India's first deep space mission and first trip to the Moon. It was launched by the ISRO from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota, on 22 October 2008 and was operated until August 2009. The mission included a lunar orbiter and an impactor. It was a major boost to India's space program, as India researched and developed its own technology in order to explore the Moon. The mission discovered small amounts of water and blue hydroxyl (made of molecules of Hydrogen & Oxygen) on the surface of the Moon.

The orbiter of the Chandrayaan 1 also released an impactor that deliberately crashed into the Moon, releasing debris that was analysed by the orbiting spacecraft's science instruments.

Chandrayaan 2

Chandrayaan 2 was India’s second attempt to discover the moon, but it was much bigger and more complex than the previous one. It was launched from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh on 22nd July 2019. The mission was designed to expand the lunar scientific knowledge through a detailed study of topography, seismography, mineral identification and distribution, surface chemical composition, thermo-physical characteristics of topsoil and composition of the tenuous lunar atmosphere, leading to a new understanding of the origin and evolution of the Moon.

It comprised an Orbiter to observe the lunar surface and relay communication between Earth and the Lander- Vikram, and Pragyan Rover, a 6-wheeled, AI-powered vehicle to explore the unexplored South Pole of the Moon. This mission was going all well until ISRO lost contact with Vikram – the lander just 2.1 km away from the surface of the moon as it crashed due to some technical glitch.

Chandrayaan 2 was the first lunar spacecraft by any country to explore the south pole of the moon.

Chandrayaan 3

To know the exact reason and to continue the discovery on the moon, ISRO sent the Chandrayaan 3 on 14 July 2023. It was launched by LVM3 from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota. The propulsion module carried the lander and rover. It is launched with the objectives of demonstrating a safe and soft Landing on the Lunar surface, exhibiting the rover roving on the moon, and conducting in-situ (original) scientific experiments.

On August 23, 2023, ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission achieved a safe and soft landing of Vikram Lander on the moon's surface, making India the fourth country to land on the moon and the first to land near its southern polar region. Following this, the Pragyan Rover was successfully deployed.