India’s space exploration legacy is rich and illustrious. India became the fifth nation in the world to launch its first satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975. Since then, India has carried out other successful space missions, such as the 2008 launch of the Chandrayaan-1 lunar orbiter.
Chandrayaan-1
India launched its first moon mission, Chandrayaan-1. After being launched on October 22, 2008, it spent ten months in lunar orbit. The major goals of the mission were to investigate the lunar surface and look for water ice. The successful Chandrayaan-1 mission produced several significant discoveries. For instance, it discovered signs of aqueous ice in the polar areas of the moon.
Chandrayaan-2
The second Indian lunar mission was called Chandrayaan-2. It had an orbiter, a lander, and a rover. It was launched on July 22, 2019. The primary goal of the mission was to gently place the lander and rover on the moon. On September 7, 2019, however, the lander crashed on the lunar surface.
Chandrayaan-3
India’s third moon mission is named Chandrayaan-3. It is a Chandrayaan-2 repeat mission, with a 2023 launch window. The primary goal of the mission is to gently place the lander and rover on the moon. India will become the fourth nation to land a spacecraft on the moon if Chandrayaan-3 is successful.
The Future of India’s Moon Mission
India has big intentions for its upcoming lunar expeditions. In the upcoming years, the nation intends to undertake several additional projects, such as a human lunar mission and a mission to return samples from the moon.
The launch of the lunar sample return mission is planned for 2024. Samples of lunar rock and soil will be gathered during the mission and sent back to Earth for examination. The 2030s are when the manned lunar mission is expected to launch. A crew of astronauts will be sent on the journey to the moon, where they will explore the lunar surface for many days.
India’s increasing technological strength is demonstrated by its lunar expeditions. India’s standing internationally has also improved as a result of the missions. India is expected to contribute significantly more to our knowledge of the moon and solar system as long as it keeps funding space exploration.
Here are some of the key milestones in India’s moon mission history:
- 1975: India launches its first satellite, Aryabhata.
- 2008: Chandrayaan-1 lunar orbiter launched.
- 2019: Chandrayaan-2 orbiter, lander, and rover launched.
- 2023: Chandrayaan-3 mission scheduled to launch.
- 2024: Lunar sample return mission scheduled to launch.
- 2030s: Human lunar mission scheduled to launch.
India’s moon mission is a representation of the nation’s increasing technological and scientific might. Additionally, the mission has assisted in increasing India’s visibility internationally. India is expected to contribute significantly more to our knowledge of the moon and solar system as long as it keeps funding space exploration.
