On the occasion of National Space Day, President Murmu visited an exhibition showcasing India's space technologies and achievements. She expressed her pride in the country's successful Chandrayaan mission and applauded the growth of the Indian space sector. The event also highlighted the importance of space exploration in various aspects of human life and the involvement of private players in the space sector. The date of this inaugural National Space Day marks the anniversary of Chandrayaan's historic soft landing on the lunar South Pole, making India the 4th country to achieve this feat.
Chandrayaan: India's Pioneering Lunar Exploration Mission
Background
The Chandrayaan program is a series of lunar exploration missions initiated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The first mission, Chandrayaan-1, was launched in 2008 and became India's first lunar spacecraft. It carried 11 scientific instruments and successfully completed its two-year mission, mapping the lunar surface and analyzing its composition.
Chandrayaan-2: The Soft Landing Success
Chandrayaan-2, the second mission in the series, was launched in 2019. It consisted of an orbiter, a lander named Vikram, and a rover named Pragyan. The mission aimed to explore the lunar South Pole, a region previously uncharted by spacecraft.
On September 7, 2019, the Vikram lander attempted a soft landing on the lunar surface but lost contact with the orbiter during the final descent. Despite the lander's failure, the orbiter remained operational and continued to transmit valuable scientific data.
National Space Day and President Murmu's Visit
September 7, 2022, marked the anniversary of the Chandrayaan-2 soft landing attempt. In recognition of this historic event, India celebrated its first National Space Day.
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated an exhibition showcasing India's space technologies and achievements. She expressed her pride in Chandrayaan's success and emphasized the importance of space exploration for human progress.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Chandrayaan-2's soft landing attempt?
Chandrayaan-2 was the first Indian spacecraft to attempt a soft landing on the lunar South Pole. Successful completion of this mission would have made India the fourth country to achieve this feat.
2. Why did the Vikram lander fail to land on the Moon?
The exact cause of the Vikram lander's failure is still under investigation. However, ISRO officials have suggested that it may have been due to a combination of factors, including a loss of signal, a software glitch, or a problem with the lander's propulsion system.
3. What scientific discoveries were made by Chandrayaan-2?
The Chandrayaan-2 orbiter carried a suite of scientific instruments that have made significant discoveries about the Moon. These include the detection of ice deposits near the lunar South Pole, the analysis of the Moon's thin atmosphere, and the mapping of the Moon's surface in unprecedented detail.
4. What are the future plans for the Chandrayaan program?
ISRO has announced plans for future Chandrayaan missions, including Chandrayaan-3, which is expected to consist of a lander and rover that will attempt a soft landing on the Moon's surface. Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5 are also planned, with the latter aiming to bring lunar samples back to Earth.
5. How can space exploration benefit humanity?
Space exploration can provide valuable insights into the origins of the universe, the nature of planetary systems, and the search for life beyond Earth. It can also lead to advancements in technology, such as new materials, medical devices, and communication systems. Additionally, space exploration can inspire future generations of scientists and engineers.
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