India makes history with Chandrayaan-3 Moon landing

24 Aug 2023 CW Team

India has achieved a historic milestone with the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon's South Pole, making it the first country to achieve such a feat. Prime Minister Modi extended his congratulations to both the nation's citizens and its dedicated space scientists for this remarkable achievement, declaring that this day will forever be etched in India's memory.

The mission's ultimate challenge unfolded during its final landing phase. Approximately 20 minutes before touchdown, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) initiated the Automatic Landing Sequence (ALS). This crucial step empowered the Vikram Lunar Module (LM) to assume control, utilizing its onboard computers and logic to discern an optimal landing site and execute a gentle landing on the lunar surface.

The last 15 to 20 minutes of the mission emerged as a pivotal window for success, as the Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3 descended towards a soft lunar landing. Across India and the globe, countless individuals prayed for the triumphant culmination of this momentous event.

Recalling India's past experience with its second lunar mission, which encountered failure in the last 20 minutes of its landing attempt, ISRO adopted an even more cautious approach this time around. Given the intense risk posed to the spacecraft in the final minutes before lunar touchdown, this period is often referred to as the "20 or 17 minutes of terror." During this autonomous phase, the Vikram lander effectively ignited its own engines at precise altitudes and times.

India's successful lunar landing signifies a remarkable advancement in space exploration and technology, showcasing the nation's perseverance and scientific prowess on a global stage.

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