All videos

India makes historic landing on Moon's South Pole

India has made history by landing a spacecraft on the Moon's south pole. The Vikram lander touched down on August 23, 2023, at 13:30 GMT. This is the first time that any country has landed a spacecraft in this region of the Moon.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission

The mission, called Chandrayaan-3, is designed to search for water ice on the Moon. Water ice could be used to support future Moon exploration and even permanent human bases. The Vikram lander also carries a 26kg, 6-wheeled rover named Pragyaan. The Sanskrit word for wisdom, Pragyaan, will explore the area, collecting data and images to send back to Earth.

The Significance of the Landing

The landing of Vikram on the Moon's south pole is a major milestone for India's space program. It is only the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon and the first to do so in this region. The mission is also significant because it could help to answer some of the biggest questions about the Moon's water resources.

The future of moon exploration

The successful landing of Vikram on the Moon's south pole is a major boost for Moon exploration. It shows that it is possible to land in this challenging region, and it opens up new possibilities for future missions. The data and images collected by Pragyaan will help scientists to better understand the Moon's water resources, and this could lead to the development of new technologies for Moon exploration.

Have you read?
  • Why is the Moon's south pole so important?
Topics:
Geographies in Depth
Share:

How hydrogen powered vehicles will help India reach its emissions targets 

K.R Jyothilal and Narendra Nath Veluri

December 6, 2024

BRICS: Here’s what to know about the international bloc

About us

Engage with us

  • Sign in
  • Partner with us
  • Become a member
  • Sign up for our press releases
  • Subscribe to our newsletters
  • Contact us

Quick links

Language editions

Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

Sitemap

© 2024 World Economic Forum