India on Wednesday etched its name in the history books after Chandrayaan 3's Lander Vikram made a successful soft landing on the south pole of the moon. With Vikram's successful landing on the Moon's south pole, India became the fourth country in the world to master the technology of soft-landing on the lunar surface after the US, China, and the erstwhile Soviet Union. Chandryaan 3 landing was completed in four phases on Wednesday which started at around 5:20 pm (IST). After the completion of the first phase, PM Modi joined the landing program virtually from South Africa for the 15th BRICS Summit. Apart from PM Modi, EAM S Jaishankar also joined him to witness the landing. At 5:56 PM the first phase of Chandrayaan 3 landing was successfully completed. Notably, when the Vikram lander softly landed on the moon, PM Modi clapped and started waving a small Tiranga in jubilation. On the other hand, ISRO scientists jumped in joy. Watch PM Modi's Chandrayaan 3's video below-
What did PM Modi say on Chandrayaan 3's success?
As soon as Chandrayaan 3's lander Vikram successfully landed, PM Modi virtually addressed the nation from South Africa. PM Modi in his address said, "Friends on this joyous occasion I would like to address all the people of the world, the people of every country and region, India successful moon mission is not just India’s alone. Our approach to one earth, one family, one future is resonating across the globe. This human-centric approach we present had been welcomed universally..Our moon mission is also based on the same human centric approach. Therefore, this success belongs to all of humanity. It will help moon mission by other countries in future...I am confident that all countries in the world, including all from the global south are capable of achieving such heights. We can all aspire for the moon and beyond."
The historical moment when India made it to the moon! 🇮🇳
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)
How did Chandrayaan 3 land on the moon in its last phase?
At 5:44 PM, the first phase of Chandrayaan 3 initiated in which the ISRO scientists reduced its speed from 1680 m/sec to 350m/sec. The first phase was considered the most difficult as ISRO had to apply breaks to its speed. The landing was completed in 4 phases. The first phase was of 10 minutes, the second was of 10 seconds. The first phase was the toughest because the fear was that Chandrayaan 3 might deviate and lose connection due to a sudden break. However, with the entire world praying for India, Chandrayaan 3 successfully completed its first phases. When the Chandrayaan 3 was 9.5 km away from the moon, PM Modi joined the landing program virtually from South Africa for the 15th BRICS Summit. Apart from PM Modi, EAM S Jaishankar also joined him to witness the landing. At 5:56 PM the first phase of Chandrayaan 3 landing was successfully completed.
When Chandryaan 3 was 1 KM away, the vertical descent started. During this, entire ISRO scientists were in jubilation and started clapping witnessing India creating history.
Chandrayaan 3 is Lunar Exploration Mission and it was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota on July 14, 2023, at 2:35 p.m. IST.