In a historic moment that has filled the nation with pride and excitement, India has achieved a remarkable feat by successfully landing the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on the Moon's south pole. The achievement was met with praise and congratulations from various quarters, including Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, who expressed her admiration for the monumental accomplishment.
Sonia Gandhi reached out to ISRO chief S Somnath to convey her heartfelt congratulations on the successful moon landing of Chandrayaan 3. She underlined the immense pride this achievement brings to all Indians, particularly the younger generation. This landmark event, which occurred at 6:04 pm on a significant Wednesday, signifies India's entry into an elite group of countries that have achieved soft landings on the lunar surface.
Sonia Gandhi's letter also highlighted the decades of hard work and dedication that have been poured into building ISRO's outstanding capabilities. She acknowledged the pivotal role played by exceptional leaders and the spirit of collaborative effort that has always been the driving force behind ISRO's accomplishments. The letter also underscored the importance of self-reliance, a principle that has been integral to ISRO's journey since the early 1960s and has undoubtedly contributed to its series of successes.
The achievement is particularly noteworthy as it places India among the select few nations, including the Soviet Union, the United States, and China, that have achieved soft landings on the Moon. The solar-powered rover Pragyan, a vital component of Chandrayaan-3, is now poised to undertake an exploration of the lunar surface. Over the span of a lunar day, equivalent to approximately 14 Earth days, the rover will collect and transmit valuable data back to Earth, enriching our understanding of the Moon's terrain and characteristics.
As the Chandrayaan-3's lander module, Vikram, gently touched down on the Moon, ISRO chief S Somnath aptly exclaimed, "India is on the Moon." This triumph has been celebrated across the country and beyond, with Prime Minister Modi watching the event unfold from Johannesburg, South Africa. Prime Minister Modi hailed the achievement as a historic day for India's space endeavors, marking a significant milestone in the country's space exploration journey.
The successful Chandrayaan-3 Moon landing is a testament to India's scientific and technological prowess, reflecting the dedication, vision, and collaborative spirit that define the nation's achievements in space exploration. This achievement not only advances India's capabilities but also strengthens its position on the global space stage, paving the way for future discoveries and contributions to humanity's understanding of the universe.