National Space Day: ISRO to share exclusive photos and data from Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover
National Space Day: Today India is celebrating its inaugural National Space Day, to mark one year since the historic landing of Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram Lander on the Moon’s South Pole. This day has been designated by the central government to honor the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) remarkable achievements and to inspire future generations with the possibilities of space exploration.
National Space Day aims to ignite interest in space science and technology among young people, while also raising public awareness about the importance of space exploration. This celebration reflects national pride in India’s technological advancements and its growing role in the global space community.
The first images from the Chandrayaan-3 mission are now out on ISRO's PRADAN website!
Below are the left and right NavCam images of Pragyan rover taken just as it was about to exit the ramp.
More data can be accessed here- https://t.co/m3TZBY1UHH pic.twitter.com/TKbGOmefC5 — Astro_Neel (@Astro_Neel) August 22, 2024
To commemorate the occasion, the government has launched a month-long campaign to highlight India’s successes in space missions. This campaign will travel across schools and public spaces, engaging the public and educating them about the intricacies of space science. Visitors will have the chance to explore detailed models of India’s first two launch pads and learn about historic missions like Chandrayaan-1 and the Indian Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan).
The theme for this inaugural National Space Day is “Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India’s Space Saga,” emphasising the profound impact of the country’s space programme on everyday life and its strides in technological innovation.
The day is filled with events designed to captivate and educate, including space-themed exhibits, demonstrations, panel discussions, and cultural programmes, all aimed at generating interest in space science and motivating young minds to pursue careers in this exciting field.
Later today, ISRO will also release never-seen-before photos and data from the Chandrayaan-3 mission on the Pradaan portal. Some images and videos were accidentally published last night before being taken down. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, emphasized the significance of National Space Day in showcasing India’s rapid advancements in space exploration and encouraging future talent in the Indian space sector.
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In recent months, the space industry in India has experienced a surge in activity, with the number of space startups rising from just a few to around 300, many of which have the potential to make a global impact. National Space Day also serves as a tribute to India’s expanding space economy and scientific achievements, reminding the nation of the vital contributions space exploration makes to technological progress and national pride. The celebration reflects India’s growing recognition in the global space arena, especially following the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
Additionally, ISRO has organised outreach activities through its network of 120 registered Space Tutors. These educators are hosting talks, quizzes, and exhibitions across the country, engaging communities and spreading knowledge about space science. A unique initiative by ISRO is the national-level hackathon, which challenges students with complex problem statements related to space exploration. The best teams will compete in the finale, with top performers earning internships at ISRO centers. Winners will also have the opportunity to showcase their innovations during the National Space Day celebrations.
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The Chandrayaan-3 mission, which successfully achieved a soft landing on the Moon, made India the fourth country to accomplish this feat, joining the United States, the Soviet Union, and China. India also became the first country to land near the lunar South Pole, a region of significant scientific interest. This mission built upon the lessons learned from Chandrayaan-2, which, despite failing to achieve a soft landing in 2019, provided valuable data about the Moon.
Chandrayaan-3’s success is a continuation of India’s pioneering efforts in lunar exploration, which began with the Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2008. That mission was instrumental in discovering water molecules on the Moon, a finding that has shaped subsequent lunar research.
As National Space Day unfolds, ISRO is set to release previously unseen photos and data from the Vikram Lander and Pragyan Rover, offering the public a deeper glimpse into the groundbreaking work being done by India’s space scientists. This day not only celebrates past achievements but also looks forward to the future, inspiring a new generation to reach for the stars.
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- With inputs from agencies
