India Celebrates First National Space Day with Chandrayaan-3's Historic Landing
India is marking a momentous occasion with its inaugural National Space Day on August 23, 2024, commemorating the historic achievement of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. On this date in 2023, ISRO’s Vikram Lander made a historic soft landing on the moon's surface, securing India's position as the fourth country to land on the moon and the first to do so near its southern polar region. The successful deployment of the Pragyan Rover and the naming of the landing site as 'Shiv Shakti' point further solidified this milestone.
The theme for this year's National Space Day, "Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India's Space Saga", reflects on the profound impact of India's space exploration efforts. The celebrations, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, are being streamed live on ISRO’s official website and YouTube channel, allowing viewers across the globe to partake in the festivities.
ISRO Chairman S Somanath praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his pivotal role in advancing India's space ambitions. Speaking to ANI, Somanath acknowledged Modi’s instrumental contributions to space policy reforms. "PM Modi's leadership has been crucial in several key policy interventions in India's space sector. His vision has not only fostered the creation of space policies but has also ensured their effective implementation", Somanath noted.
The two-day event at Bharat Mandapam features a series of high-profile sessions, interactive exhibitions, and significant announcements highlighting India's space achievements. The event also includes mobile exhibitions, dubbed 'Space on Wheels', which will travel to universities and colleges across the country. These exhibitions aim to educate students about ISRO's activities and India's space missions.
Adding a touch of engagement, National Space Day will host a quiz for students with questions such as, 'Which is the closest star to Earth?' This initiative underscores India's commitment to nurturing educational interest in space science among the younger generation.
National Space Day not only celebrates India's historic lunar landing but also symbolizes the nation's ongoing dedication to space exploration and technological advancement. The events and educational programs planned for this day emphasize India's role in advancing human knowledge and leveraging space technology for societal benefits.
