India is now on the Moon: Chandrayaan-3 successfully lands on lunar surface ending nail-biting wait for a nation

The scientists of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) burst into joy in the control room in Chennai, joining a proud nation, as chairman S Somanath  said: "India is now on the moon."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the historic event virtually from South Africa where he is currently visiting to attend the BRICS Summit.

"This moment is historic, unprecedented. This moment is the moment of victory. This moment is the achievement of 1.4 billion people and a new consciousness of a new India. This is the dawn of a new India in the Amrit Kaal," said PM Modi.

"I congratulate from the bottom of my heart the scientists of ISRO," he said.

"This success is not of India alone," he said.

On Tuesday, ISRO said Chandrayaan-3 mission is on schedule and sailing smoothly for a soft landing on the South Polar Region of the Moon.

The systems are undergoing regular checks and the Mission Operations Complex (MOX) was buzzing with energy and excitement.

The soft landing was a tricky and challenging task as it involved a series of complex manoeuvres that included rough and fine braking.

Prior to landing, imaging of the landing site was done for locating safe and hazard-free zones.

Why is the Lunar Mission so important?

The success of this Moon mission has made India the fourth country to master the technology of soft-landing on the lunar surface after the US, China, and the erstwhile Soviet Union.

This is India's second attempt to land on the Moon after a failure in 2019.

Chandrayaan-2 had failed in its lunar phase when its lander 'Vikram' crashed into the surface of the Moon following anomalies in the braking system in the lander while attempting a touchdown on September 7, 2019.

Interestingly, Chandrayaan 3, which was launched on July14, successfully completed its moon landing process just days after Russia’s Luna 25 spacecraft crashed into the moon on August 19.

Reactions:

NASA Administrator Nelson congratulated India and wrote on X: "Congratulations @isroon your successful  Chandrayaan-3 lunar South Pole landing! And congratulations to #India on being the 4th country to successfully soft-land a spacecraft on the Moon. We’re glad to be your partner on this mission!"

Indian political leaders including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and the Trinamool Congress also posted on X, formerly Twitter, messages congratulating the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

"Congratulations to Team ISRO for today's pioneering feat. Chandrayaan3's soft landing on the uncharted lunar South Pole is the result of decades of tremendous ingenuity and hard work by our scientific community. Since 1962, India's space program has continued to scale new heights and inspire generations of young dreamers," Gandhi posted on X.

"A proud moment for every Indian. Heartiest congratulations to ISRO for accomplishing such a monumental achievement. Our best wishes to Team Chandrayaan-3 for their endless contributions towards creating history," the Trinamool posted.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah posted: "India becomes the first nation to touch the South Pole of the moon with the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. The new space odyssey flies India's celestial ambitions to newer heights, setting it apart as the world's launchpad for space projects. Unlocking a gateway to space for Indian companies, it will create a plethora of employment opportunities for our youths."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said: "With the soft landing of lander Vikram on the Moon's South Pole, India has added a golden chapter in the history of space exploration. It is a landmark achievement and a momentous occasion for 1.4 billion people as India becomes the first country in the world to land on Moon's South Pole. This success is a testimony to India's prowess in space technology."