NEW DELHI: India has made a groundbreaking advancement in space exploration as its spacecraft successfully landed near the Moon’s south pole – a hitherto uncharted region that scientists believe holds the promise of frozen water and precious elements.
On Wednesday, a lander carrying a rover touched down on the lunar surface, evoking cheers and applause from the multitude of space scientists observing the event from the city of Bengaluru in southern India. This success follows a previous attempt nearly four years ago that ended in failure. By accomplishing this feat, India establishes itself as the first nation to successfully land a craft near the relatively unexplored South Pole, joining the ranks of the United States, the Soviet Union, and China in achieving a Moon landing.
Russian Spacecraft Crashes
The success of India’s lunar landing coincided with a recent setback for another nation’s lunar aspirations. Russia’s Luna-25, which was also targeting the same lunar region, encountered difficulties and entered an uncontrolled orbit, ultimately crashing. The unfortunate event marked a missed opportunity for Russia to achieve its first successful lunar landing in 47 years.
The news of India’s successful mission reverberated across the nation, captivating the population of the world’s largest country. People from all walks of life, from offices and shops to restaurants and homes, were glued to their televisions, sharing in the collective excitement and anxiety of this monumental endeavor.
In the lead-up to the landing, thousands of individuals across India participated in prayers for the mission’s success. Oil lamps illuminated river banks, temples, and religious sites, with the holy city of Varanasi in northern India playing a central role in the expressions of hope and anticipation.
