India’s Chandrayaan-3 has accomplished a significant feat by smoothly entering the lunar orbit, marking the most recent success in achieving a soft landing on the moon.
Launched in mid-July, the mission meticulously maneuvered through various Earth orbits, progressively attaining the necessary velocity for its upcoming lunar expedition.
Following a flawless landing on Wednesday, a rover powered by solar energy will commence an exploration of the relatively unexplored lunar south pole. Over its two-week operational span, it will transmit crucial data back to Earth.
The Indian Space Research Organisation shared this achievement earlier through a post on Facebook.
A lunar landing, often referred to as a Moon landing, entails the intricate process through which a spacecraft arrives on the lunar surface.
A “soft landing” signifies the skillful touch down of an aircraft, rocket, or spacecraft that results in minimal damage or disruption to the vehicle and its cargo, in contrast to a “hard landing.”
In addition to India, Russia, the United States of America, and China have all successfully executed soft landings on the moon.
Russia pioneered lunar landings in 1959, achieving a significant milestone.
In 1970, they successfully retrieved lunar samples through an unmanned mission.
The United States achieved its maiden soft landing in 1966.
As of 2022, the United States holds an unparalleled record, boasting a total of 11 successful soft landings globally. It remains the sole nation to accomplish manned moon landings.
China’s Chang’e 3 lander achieved a historic touchdown in 2013, marking the first moon landing since the USSR’s Luna 24 mission.
A groundbreaking moment arrived in 2019 with the success of Chang’e 4, which achieved the inaugural soft landing on the moon’s far side.
This remarkable achievement solidified China’s position as the pioneer in achieving a soft landing on the mysterious “dark” side of the moon.
