📷 Image Credits: DNA India
On July 14, 2023, India witnessed a historic moment as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This marked a significant milestone for the country, propelling it into the select group of nations capable of achieving soft landings on the Moon. A year later, on August 5, 2023, the spacecraft reached lunar orbit, embarking on a meticulous journey to the Moon’s south polar region.
The highlight of the mission occurred on August 23, 2023, when the Vikram lander made a soft landing near the lunar south pole, making India the first nation to achieve this feat and the fourth overall. Following the successful landing, the Pragyan rover was deployed to explore the lunar surface. Over the next two weeks, Pragyan travelled about 100 meters, conducting experiments and transmitting vital data back to Earth.
Key discoveries made by the rover include the presence of sulphur and other elements in the lunar soil, along with the groundbreaking finding of water molecules on the lunar surface. This discovery holds significant implications for potential human colonies on the Moon and future lunar exploration efforts. Furthermore, the data gathered by Chandrayaan-3 has enhanced our understanding of the Moon’s geological history and the processes shaping its polar regions.
Apart from its scientific achievements, Chandrayaan-3 garnered massive attention, with an estimated 70 million viewers in India alone tuning in to witness the mission’s live broadcast. The mission’s success not only showcased India’s space exploration capabilities but also inspired a new generation of scientists and engineers, leading to increased interest in STEM subjects and space exploration nationwide.
As we look back on the accomplishments of the past year and celebrate India’s entry into the international space community, it is crucial to acknowledge the individuals behind the Chandrayaan-3 mission. Let’s delve into the educational qualifications of the key scientists who played pivotal roles in the success of this landmark mission:
– S. Somanath: Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairperson of the Space Commission, Somanath holds a Mechanical Engineering BTech from TKM College of Engineering, Kollam, and a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, specializing in structures, dynamics, and control.
– M Sankaran: Director of the UR Rao Satellite Centre, Sankaran obtained a Master’s degree in Physics from Bharathidasan University and has been instrumental in the success of ISRO’s satellite programs.
– Dr. V Narayanan: A rocket propulsion expert and Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Dr. Narayanan holds an MTech in Cryogenic Engineering and a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, along with numerous awards and honorary degrees.
– Dr. S Unnikrishnan Nair: Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Dr. Nair boasts an extensive educational background in Mechanical Engineering, with qualifications that include a BTech, ME, PhD, and MA.
– P Veeramuthuvel: Project Director of Chandrayaan-3, Veeramuthuvel’s educational journey includes a PhD from IIT Madras, alongside undergraduate and post-graduation education in Mechanical Engineering.
– Kalpana Kalahasti: Serving as the deputy project director for Chandrayaan-3, Kalahasti holds degrees in Aeronautical Engineering and Electronics and Communication from prestigious institutions.
These brilliant minds have been instrumental in shaping India’s space exploration endeavors and steering the nation towards new frontiers of scientific discovery. As we commemorate the one-year anniversary of Chandrayaan-3, let’s celebrate the dedication and expertise of the scientists who made this remarkable mission possible.
