Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- India's Pragyan Rover which is on the Moon as part of the Chandrayaan-3 mission encountered a massive four-meter diameter crater on the lunar surface. The Rover has so far traversed around eight meters of the lunar surface since the Lander landed and will continue to study the moon's geology and atmosphere at the unexplored southern pole. It has a lifespan of only 14 Earth days that's equivalent to one lunar day and has 10 more days to go.

Chandrayaan-3: Pragyan rover stumbles upon giant crater on the moon's south pole

The race to the moon has just begun. After India's successful launch of Chandrayaan-3. Japan is also embarking on a moon mission. This mission is named the “Smart Lander for Investigating Moon” or SLIM.

Japan's Moon Sniper: What is a pinpoint landing on the Moon?

<p><strong>Chandrayaan-3 'Shiv Shakti':</strong> After the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon's south pole on August 23, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (August 26) announced that the landing point will be called "<strong>Shiv Shakti"</strong>.&nbsp;He added that there was also a discussion over naming the point where Chandrayaan-2 crashed in 2019 and the point has been named "Tiranga".</p>

<p>The announcements were made when Prime Minister Modi was at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in Bengaluru, where he congratulated the scientists who contributed to the moon mission's success.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-moon-isro-aims-for-the-sun-with-its-aditya-l1-mission-launch-due-in-september-details-629630">After moon, ISRO aims for the Sun with its Aditya-L1 mission. Launch due in September | Check details</a></strong><br />
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During a press address, ISRO Chief K Somnath said, "The country has every right to name the landing site. The naming of the landing site is not the first incident. Several Indian names are already there on the Moon. We have a Sarabhai crater on the Moon. Other countries have also named places related to their scientific accomplishment. All places related to even minor experiments would be named. That is a tradition."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chandrayaan-3 Mission:<br />
🔍What's new here?<br />
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Pragyan rover roams around Shiv Shakti Point in pursuit of lunar secrets at the South Pole 🌗! <a href="https://t.co/1g5gQsgrjM">pic.twitter.com/1g5gQsgrjM</a></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1695378531243454712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, it is to be noted that the "Moon" does not come under any jurisdiction. Why? It is because of the Moon Treaty. What is it and what are its rules, here we explain.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;PM Modi salutes ISRO scientists: India celebrates Chandrayaan-3's success</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Why can no one own the Moon?</strong></h2>

<p>The Moon Treaty or the Outer Space Treaty was signed during the Cold War era, whose primary objective is "to provide the necessary legal principles for governing the behaviour of states, international organisations, and individuals who explore celestial bodies other than Earth, as well as administration of the resources that exploration may yield."</p>

<p>However, Article 2 of the Treaty states, "Outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means." In simple words, this means that the countries have to cooperate in their space exploration activities and cannot stake a claim to the Moon.</p>

<h2><strong>Who names the landing sites on the Moon?</strong></h2>

<p>The International Astronomical Union (IAU) founded in 1919 is the nodal body to standardise the nomenclature of celestial objects. Its tasks involve forcing an executive committee, divisions, commissions and working groups that comprise astronomers from across the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On naming the space surfaces, it says, "When the first images of the surface of a planet or satellite are obtained, new themes for naming features are chosen and names of a few important features are proposed, usually by the appropriate IAU Task Group in collaboration with the mission team."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-isro-shares-first-video-of-pragyan-rover-ramping-down-vikram-lander-629033"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Watch | Chandrayaan-3: ISRO shares first selfie video of Pragyan rover ramping down Vikram lander</strong></a></p>

<p>"As higher resolution images and maps become available, names for additional features may be requested by investigators mapping or describing specific surfaces or geological formations."</p>

<p>After following the protocols, the IAU’s Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN) approves the proposed names and posts them on its website. Objections to the names can be raised by mailing the IAU General Secretary within three months.</p>

<p>However, this process can take some time. For example, China’s Moon mission Chang’e 5 landed on the lunar surface on 1 December 2020. The landing site was named Statio Titanchuan. The name was approved by the IAU in May 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What are the norms for naming the sites?</strong></h2>

<p>The IAU made some suggestions while proposing the names. It stated that for planetary objects, the names should be simple, clear, unambiguous and should not copy existing names.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No names having political, military or religious significance may be used, except for names of political figures prior to the 19th century."</p>

<p>"Commemoration of persons on planetary bodies should not normally be a goal in itself, but may be employed in special circumstances… Persons being so honoured must have been deceased for at least three years, before a proposal may be submitted."</p>

<h2><strong>Has India ever named sites on the Moon?</strong></h2>

<p>The answer to this question is yes. Before Chandrayaan-3 and 2, India named a site on the Moon. In 2008, following the Chandrayaan-1 probe that crashed, the spot was named “Jawahr Sthal” after the first Prime Minister of independent India Jawaharlal Nehru.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All eyes are on ISRO's Pragyaan rover which is on a 14-day exploration of the lunar surface. The rover will collect information and send it to the space agency. Notably, India has created history by becoming the first country to land a probe on the far side of the Moon.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Chandrayaan-3 'Shiv Shakti': After the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon's south pole on August 23, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (August 26) announced that the landing point will be called "Shiv Shakti".

Chandrayaan-3 'Shiv Shakti': After the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon's south pole on August 23, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (August 26) announced that the landing point will be called "Shiv Shakti". He added that there was also a discussion over naming the point where Chandrayaan-2 crashed in 2019 and the point has been named "Tiranga". The announcements were made when Prime Minister Modi was at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in Bengaluru, where he congratulated the scientists who contributed to the moon mission's success. Also read | After moon, ISRO aims for the Sun with its Aditya-L1 mission. Launch due in September | Check details During a press address, ISRO Chief K Somnath said, "The country has every right to name the landing site. The naming of the landing site is not the first incident. Several Indian names are already there on the Moon. We have a Sarabhai crater on the Moon. Other countries have also named places related to their scientific accomplishment. All places related to even minor experiments would be named. That is a tradition." Chandrayaan-3 Mission: 🔍What's new here? Pragyan rover roams around Shiv Shakti Point in pursuit of lunar secrets at the South Pole 🌗! pic.twitter.com/1g5gQsgrjM — ISRO (@isro) August 26, 2023 × However, it is to be noted that the "Moon" does not come under any jurisdiction. Why? It is because of the Moon Treaty. What is it and what are its rules, here we explain. WATCH | PM Modi salutes ISRO scientists: India celebrates Chandrayaan-3's success Why can no one own the Moon? The Moon Treaty or the Outer Space Treaty was signed during the Cold War era, whose primary objective is "to provide the necessary legal principles for governing the behaviour of states, international organisations, and individuals who explore celestial bodies other than Earth, as well as administration of the resources that exploration may yield." However, Article 2 of the Treaty states, "Outer space, including the moon and other celestial bodies, is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means." In simple words, this means that the countries have to cooperate in their space exploration activities and cannot stake a claim to the Moon. Who names the landing sites on the Moon? The International Astronomical Union (IAU) founded in 1919 is the nodal body to standardise the nomenclature of celestial objects. Its tasks involve forcing an executive committee, divisions, commissions and working groups that comprise astronomers from across the world. On naming the space surfaces, it says, "When the first images of the surface of a planet or satellite are obtained, new themes for naming features are chosen and names of a few important features are proposed, usually by the appropriate IAU Task Group in collaboration with the mission team." Also read | Watch | Chandrayaan-3: ISRO shares first selfie video of Pragyan rover ramping down Vikram lander "As higher resolution images and maps become available, names for additional features may be requested by investigators mapping or describing specific surfaces or geological formations." After following the protocols, the IAU’s Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN) approves the proposed names and posts them on its website. Objections to the names can be raised by mailing the IAU General Secretary within three months. However, this process can take some time. For example, China’s Moon mission Chang’e 5 landed on the lunar surface on 1 December 2020. The landing site was named Statio Titanchuan. The name was approved by the IAU in May 2021. What are the norms for naming the sites? The IAU made some suggestions while proposing the names. It stated that for planetary objects, the names should be simple, clear, unambiguous and should not copy existing names. "No names having political, military or religious significance may be used, except for names of political figures prior to the 19th century." "Commemoration of persons on planetary bodies should not normally be a goal in itself, but may be employed in special circumstances… Persons being so honoured must have been deceased for at least three years, before a proposal may be submitted." Has India ever named sites on the Moon? The answer to this question is yes. Before Chandrayaan-3 and 2, India named a site on the Moon. In 2008, following the Chandrayaan-1 probe that crashed, the spot was named “Jawahr Sthal” after the first Prime Minister of independent India Jawaharlal Nehru. All eyes are on ISRO's Pragyaan rover which is on a 14-day exploration of the lunar surface. The rover will collect information and send it to the space agency. Notably, India has created history by becoming the first country to land a probe on the far side of the Moon. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

EXPLAINED | Chandrayaan-3's landing site is named Shiv Shakti. Here's how these points are named

<p>Japan's launch of an H-IIA rocket, carrying a moon lander into space, has been postponed due to unfavourable wind conditions in the upper atmosphere, according to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), the operator of the rocket, media reports said. The announcement was made through MHI's launch services unit on the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, just 24 minutes before the scheduled launch time. The mission was cancelled "because it was confirmed that the upper wind does not satisfy the constraints at launch," MHI's launch services unit said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The launch was planned to take place at 9:26 am local time (0026 GMT) on Monday (August 28) from the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan, operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).</p>

<p>JAXA, during its live YouTube stream, indicated that further information would be provided by MHI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-authorities-to-ban-wearing-islamic-abayas-in-schools-629795">French authorities to ban wearing Islamic abayas in schools</a></p>

<h2>Third failed attempt&nbsp;</h2>

<p>This is Japan's third failed moon mission. Japan's previous endeavours include an unsuccessful endeavour last year when they sought to achieve a lunar landing with the Omotenashi probe, transported by NASA's Artemis 1. Regrettably, this mission encountered setbacks leading to a loss of communication.</p>

<p>In the second failed attempt in April this year, a Japanese start-up ispace faced a setback in its ambitious aspiration to become the pioneering private enterprise to successfully land on the Moon. Unfortunately, communication was lost following what the company described as a "hard landing".</p>

<h2><strong>'Moon Sniper'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Dubbed the "Moon Sniper," JAXA's mission has earned this moniker due to its precise objective of achieving a lunar landing within a mere 100 meters (330 feet) of a designated target. This target range stands in stark contrast to the routine range of several kilometres.</p>

<p>Japan's space exploration journey has been marred by challenges in its rocket launches.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-definitely-be-left-alone-zelensky-says-allies-will-not-back-ukraine-in-hostilities-on-russian-soil-629791">'We will definitely be left alone': Zelensky says allies will not back Ukraine in hostilities on Russian soil</a></p>

<p>The H3 model, touted as Japan's next-generation launch vehicle, experienced failures post liftoff in March. Moreover, the usually dependable solid-fuel Epsilon also encountered issues in October last year.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Iranian pop singer Mehdi Yarrahi under scanner for Hijab removal song</strong></p>

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<p>JAXA had plans to kick off Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM's) moon landing sometime between January and February 2024, This comes in the backdrop of the success of India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar exploration mission.</p>

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Japan's launch of an H-IIA rocket, carrying a moon lander into space, has been postponed due to unfavourable wind conditions in the upper atmosphere, according to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), the operator of the rocket, media reports said.

Japan's launch of an H-IIA rocket, carrying a moon lander into space, has been postponed due to unfavourable wind conditions in the upper atmosphere, according to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), the operator of the rocket, media reports said. The announcement was made through MHI's launch services unit on the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, just 24 minutes before the scheduled launch time. The mission was cancelled "because it was confirmed that the upper wind does not satisfy the constraints at launch," MHI's launch services unit said. The launch was planned to take place at 9:26 am local time (0026 GMT) on Monday (August 28) from the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan, operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). JAXA, during its live YouTube stream, indicated that further information would be provided by MHI. Also Read | French authorities to ban wearing Islamic abayas in schools Third failed attempt This is Japan's third failed moon mission. Japan's previous endeavours include an unsuccessful endeavour last year when they sought to achieve a lunar landing with the Omotenashi probe, transported by NASA's Artemis 1. Regrettably, this mission encountered setbacks leading to a loss of communication. In the second failed attempt in April this year, a Japanese start-up ispace faced a setback in its ambitious aspiration to become the pioneering private enterprise to successfully land on the Moon. Unfortunately, communication was lost following what the company described as a "hard landing". 'Moon Sniper' Dubbed the "Moon Sniper," JAXA's mission has earned this moniker due to its precise objective of achieving a lunar landing within a mere 100 meters (330 feet) of a designated target. This target range stands in stark contrast to the routine range of several kilometres. Japan's space exploration journey has been marred by challenges in its rocket launches. Also Read | 'We will definitely be left alone': Zelensky says allies will not back Ukraine in hostilities on Russian soil The H3 model, touted as Japan's next-generation launch vehicle, experienced failures post liftoff in March. Moreover, the usually dependable solid-fuel Epsilon also encountered issues in October last year. Watch | Iranian pop singer Mehdi Yarrahi under scanner for Hijab removal song × JAXA had plans to kick off Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM's) moon landing sometime between January and February 2024, This comes in the backdrop of the success of India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar exploration mission. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Japan postpones 'Moon Sniper' mission due to wind conditions

<p>India on Wednesday (August 23) achieved a historic feat by soft-landing its Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon, becoming the first nation in the world to land a spacecraft on&nbsp;the Lunar South Pole. India’s success soon took the world by storm, including its arch-rival Pakistan.</p>

<p>For a change, Pakistanis have reacted jubilantly to India’s achievement this time around. From mocking the failure of India’s Chandrayaan-2 in 2019 to heaping praises on Chandrayaan-3, they have really come a long way.</p>

<p>For instance, Pakistan’s ex-minister of information and broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry recommended the country’s government televise the event live on national television. In 2019, he had mocked India saying that it was “not wise to venture into an unknown territory”. He had also used the hashtag ‘India Failed’ in his post on X, formerly Twitter.</p>

<p>But of all, the reaction by one witty Pakistani is garnering much attention in India. When one Pakistani YouTuber reached out to him seeking his comments on India’s success on the Moon, he quipped that he&nbsp;was already living on the Moon.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Meanwhile, the Sense of Humor of Pakistani People are always top class. This on Chandrayaan <a href="https://t.co/Y127YPeyIv">pic.twitter.com/Y127YPeyIv</a></p>
— Joy (@Joydas) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joydas/status/1694386388014444603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the video, the Pakistani man drew a hilarious comparison between Pakistan and the Moon. In his words, both lacked basic necessities, including water, (cooking) gas, and electricity.</p>

<p>He hilariously implied that Pakistanis need not spend millions to reach the Moon as they were already enduring Moon-like conditions in their nation.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Why is Chandrayaan-3 landing on August 23</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, while reacting to his witty comments, Indians couldn’t stop themselves from appreciating the sense of humour of Pakistanis.</p>

<p>“India landed on moon. Pakistan humour is top class. Wah beii,” commented one user.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chandrayaan-3-mission-pragyan-rover-safely-traversing-moon-making-indias-mark-on-lunar-soil-exclusive-628579"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Chandrayaan-3: Pragyan rover traversing Moon since 1:30 am Thursday - Exclusive</strong></a></p>

<p>“Most of the Pakistani people are really funny. Got some humour,” commented another Indian.</p>

<p>V. Krishnan, an X user, posted that the man must be hired by a PR firm for the “positivity and humour.”</p>

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India on Wednesday (August 23) achieved a historic feat by soft-landing its Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon, becoming the first nation in the world to land a spacecraft on the Lunar South Pole.

India on Wednesday (August 23) achieved a historic feat by soft-landing its Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon, becoming the first nation in the world to land a spacecraft on the Lunar South Pole. India’s success soon took the world by storm, including its arch-rival Pakistan. For a change, Pakistanis have reacted jubilantly to India’s achievement this time around. From mocking the failure of India’s Chandrayaan-2 in 2019 to heaping praises on Chandrayaan-3, they have really come a long way. For instance, Pakistan’s ex-minister of information and broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry recommended the country’s government televise the event live on national television. In 2019, he had mocked India saying that it was “not wise to venture into an unknown territory”. He had also used the hashtag ‘India Failed’ in his post on X, formerly Twitter. But of all, the reaction by one witty Pakistani is garnering much attention in India. When one Pakistani YouTuber reached out to him seeking his comments on India’s success on the Moon, he quipped that he was already living on the Moon. Watch the video here: Meanwhile, the Sense of Humor of Pakistani People are always top class. This on Chandrayaan pic.twitter.com/Y127YPeyIv — Joy (@Joydas) August 23, 2023 × In the video, the Pakistani man drew a hilarious comparison between Pakistan and the Moon. In his words, both lacked basic necessities, including water, (cooking) gas, and electricity. He hilariously implied that Pakistanis need not spend millions to reach the Moon as they were already enduring Moon-like conditions in their nation. Watch: Why is Chandrayaan-3 landing on August 23 × Meanwhile, while reacting to his witty comments, Indians couldn’t stop themselves from appreciating the sense of humour of Pakistanis. “India landed on moon. Pakistan humour is top class. Wah beii,” commented one user. Also read: Chandrayaan-3: Pragyan rover traversing Moon since 1:30 am Thursday - Exclusive “Most of the Pakistani people are really funny. Got some humour,” commented another Indian. V. Krishnan, an X user, posted that the man must be hired by a PR firm for the “positivity and humour.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

This Pakistan man has the wittiest reaction to India's Chandrayaan-3 success. Watch!

India has created history as the Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3 landed safely on the south pole of the moon. Now India's President Droupadi Murmu has announced that the Pragyan Rover has been deployed on the lunar surface. To know more watch this interview with former Deputy Director of ISRO, Arup Dasgupta.

Chandrayaan-3: Pragyan rover will conduct scientific experiments on lunar surface

India has created history as the Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3 landed safely on the south pole of the moon. Now India's President Droupadi Murmu has announced that the Pragyan Rover has been deployed on the lunar surface.

Chandrayaan-3: Rover descended from lander & 'took a walk' on the moon

<p>The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released&nbsp;a mesmerising video showing the moon's surface, captured by the Vikram Lander Imager Camera, just before Chandryaan's historic touchdown on Wednesday&nbsp;(August 23).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here is how the Lander Imager Camera captured the moon's image just prior to touchdown. <a href="https://t.co/PseUAxAB6G">pic.twitter.com/PseUAxAB6G</a></p>
— ISRO (@isro) <a href="https://twitter.com/isro/status/1694713817916473530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>India’s landmark lunar achievement</strong></h2>

<p>In a historic feat, India marked a significant milestone in space exploration as ISRO's ambitious third lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, achieved a successful touchdown of its Lander Module (LM) on the lunar surface. This monumental accomplishment not only solidified India's place in space exploration history but also secured its position as the fourth country globally to achieve this remarkable feat. Most notably, India became the first nation to reach the uncharted south pole of Earth's sole natural satellite, the moon.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Chandrayaan-3: Pragyan rover will conduct scientific experiments on lunar surface</strong></p>

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<p>The LM, consisting of the lander named Vikram and the rover named Pragyan, executed a picture-perfect soft landing in the lunar southern polar region during the evening hours of the previous day. This precision landing is a testament to ISRO's engineering excellence and its commitment to lunar exploration.</p>

<p>In a recent update, ISRO announced on August 24&nbsp;that the rover, Pragyan, has successfully descended from the lander, Vikram, marking a significant milestone in the mission. Accompanied by the triumphant statement "India took a walk on the moon," ISRO proudly reported this achievement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/chandrayaan-3-mission-pragyan-rover-safely-traversing-moon-making-indias-mark-on-lunar-soil-exclusive-628579">Chandrayaan-3: Pragyan rover traversing Moon since 1:30 am Thursday - Exclusive</a></p>

<p>ISRO stated, "Chandrayaan-3 Rover to MOX, ISTRAC, Moon walk begins!"</p>

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released a mesmerising video showing the moon's surface, captured by the Vikram Lander Imager Camera, just before Chandryaan's historic touchdown on Wednesday (August 23).

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released a mesmerising video showing the moon's surface, captured by the Vikram Lander Imager Camera, just before Chandryaan's historic touchdown on Wednesday (August 23). WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: Here is how the Lander Imager Camera captured the moon's image just prior to touchdown. pic.twitter.com/PseUAxAB6G — ISRO (@isro) August 24, 2023 × India’s landmark lunar achievement In a historic feat, India marked a significant milestone in space exploration as ISRO's ambitious third lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, achieved a successful touchdown of its Lander Module (LM) on the lunar surface. This monumental accomplishment not only solidified India's place in space exploration history but also secured its position as the fourth country globally to achieve this remarkable feat. Most notably, India became the first nation to reach the uncharted south pole of Earth's sole natural satellite, the moon. Also watch | Chandrayaan-3: Pragyan rover will conduct scientific experiments on lunar surface The LM, consisting of the lander named Vikram and the rover named Pragyan, executed a picture-perfect soft landing in the lunar southern polar region during the evening hours of the previous day. This precision landing is a testament to ISRO's engineering excellence and its commitment to lunar exploration. In a recent update, ISRO announced on August 24 that the rover, Pragyan, has successfully descended from the lander, Vikram, marking a significant milestone in the mission. Accompanied by the triumphant statement "India took a walk on the moon," ISRO proudly reported this achievement. Also read | Chandrayaan-3: Pragyan rover traversing Moon since 1:30 am Thursday - Exclusive ISRO stated, "Chandrayaan-3 Rover to MOX, ISTRAC, Moon walk begins!" WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

ISRO releases Moon's footage from minutes before Chandrayaan-3's landing. WATCH

<p><meta charset="utf-8" />As India celebrates the success of the Chandrayaan-3 Lunar landing, the Indian space agency is gearing up for the launch of its maiden mission to study the Sun, in less than two weeks. Known as Aditya-L1, this is a mission where an Indian spacecraft would travel the furthest away from the earth and it would be placed 1.5 million kilometres away, at a vantage point known as Langrangian point 1. "The preparation for Aditya-L1 is going really well. At the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, final checks are being carried out on the spacecraft and the PSLV rocket(mission number C57) for this mission is being assembled," A.Rajarajan, the Director of the spaceport told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to WION after the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, he said that the Aditya-L1 mission is to be launched in the first week of September. So far, the Indian space agency has launched six missions in the year 2023. While four of these missions were for India's own national and scientific purposes, two of them have been missions for foreign customers. ISRO has had a great year with successes in all launch missions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-isro-shares-footage-of-the-moons-surface-just-a-few-minutes-before-chandrayaan-3s-soft-landing-628838">ISRO releases moon's footage from minutes before Chandrayaan-3's landing. WATCH</a></p>

<p>Notably, the launch activity of ISRO had drastically slowed down in 2020 and 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This had caused delays to several missions and led to a backlog in the activity. Queried about how the spaceport is handling various missions simultaneously, Rajarajan told WION that the team had learnt several lessons during the pandemic and accordingly made their work processes more optimised and efficient. He indicated how ISRO had been able to fulfil both national and commercial missions, while also making arrangements for Indian space sector startups to use their facilities for development and testing activities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Queried about how the launch calendar looked for the next four months, he said that there could be four launches including Aditya-L1, experimental flights as part of Gaganyaan development programme, followed by PSLV and GSLV launches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2022, the Indian Space agency has designated senior Solar Scientist Dr. Sankarasubramanian as the Principal Scientist of the 'Aditya-L1' Mission. He heads the Space Astronomy Group (SAG) of ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru and has contributed to ISRO missions such as Chandrayaan 1 &amp; 2, AstroSat, in several capacities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Chandrayaan-3: Pragyan rover will conduct scientific experiments on lunar surface</strong></p>

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<p>Aditya-L1 is the first observatory-class space-based solar mission from India. The spacecraft is to be placed in a halo orbit around the first Lagrange point, L1, of the Sun-Earth system. A satellite around the L1 point has the major advantage of continuously viewing the Sun without occultation/eclipses. This position provides a greater advantage of observing solar activities continuously.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Aditya-L1 carries seven payloads to observe the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outermost layers of the Sun (the corona) using electromagnetic and particle detectors. According to ISRO, Four payloads on Aditya-L1 directly view the Sun from the unique vantage point of L1, and the remaining three payloads carry out in-situ studies of particles and fields at the Lagrange point L1.</p>

<p dir="ltr">&nbsp;</p>

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As India celebrates the success of the Chandrayaan-3 Lunar landing, the Indian space agency is gearing up for the launch of its maiden mission to study the Sun, in less than two weeks.

As India celebrates the success of the Chandrayaan-3 Lunar landing, the Indian space agency is gearing up for the launch of its maiden mission to study the Sun, in less than two weeks. Known as Aditya-L1, this is a mission where an Indian spacecraft would travel the furthest away from the earth and it would be placed 1.5 million kilometres away, at a vantage point known as Langrangian point 1. "The preparation for Aditya-L1 is going really well. At the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, final checks are being carried out on the spacecraft and the PSLV rocket(mission number C57) for this mission is being assembled," A.Rajarajan, the Director of the spaceport told WION. Speaking to WION after the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, he said that the Aditya-L1 mission is to be launched in the first week of September. So far, the Indian space agency has launched six missions in the year 2023. While four of these missions were for India's own national and scientific purposes, two of them have been missions for foreign customers. ISRO has had a great year with successes in all launch missions. Also read | ISRO releases moon's footage from minutes before Chandrayaan-3's landing. WATCH Notably, the launch activity of ISRO had drastically slowed down in 2020 and 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This had caused delays to several missions and led to a backlog in the activity. Queried about how the spaceport is handling various missions simultaneously, Rajarajan told WION that the team had learnt several lessons during the pandemic and accordingly made their work processes more optimised and efficient. He indicated how ISRO had been able to fulfil both national and commercial missions, while also making arrangements for Indian space sector startups to use their facilities for development and testing activities. Queried about how the launch calendar looked for the next four months, he said that there could be four launches including Aditya-L1, experimental flights as part of Gaganyaan development programme, followed by PSLV and GSLV launches. In 2022, the Indian Space agency has designated senior Solar Scientist Dr. Sankarasubramanian as the Principal Scientist of the 'Aditya-L1' Mission. He heads the Space Astronomy Group (SAG) of ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru and has contributed to ISRO missions such as Chandrayaan 1 & 2, AstroSat, in several capacities. Also watch | Chandrayaan-3: Pragyan rover will conduct scientific experiments on lunar surface Aditya-L1 is the first observatory-class space-based solar mission from India. The spacecraft is to be placed in a halo orbit around the first Lagrange point, L1, of the Sun-Earth system. A satellite around the L1 point has the major advantage of continuously viewing the Sun without occultation/eclipses. This position provides a greater advantage of observing solar activities continuously. Aditya-L1 carries seven payloads to observe the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outermost layers of the Sun (the corona) using electromagnetic and particle detectors. According to ISRO, Four payloads on Aditya-L1 directly view the Sun from the unique vantage point of L1, and the remaining three payloads carry out in-situ studies of particles and fields at the Lagrange point L1. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Moon mission successful, India's Sun mission Aditya-L1 to be launched in two weeks

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- The Chandrayaan-3 lunar Mission conducted by the Indian Space Research Organization achieved a successful soft landing at 6:04 PM Indian Standard Time on August 23rd. India made a historic achievement becoming the first country to land a spacecraft on the moon's South Pole.

Chandrayaan-3: What makes the south pole of the moon so special?

India has created history as Chandrayaan-3 landed on the moon at around 06:03 PM on Wednesday. Indian Prime Minister Modi joined the live landing of Chandrayaan-3 from South Africa where he is attending the BRICS summit.

Chandrayaan-3 mission: Small step for ISRO, giant leap in space exploration

India has created history as Chandrayaan-3 landed on the moon at around 06:03 PM on Wednesday. Indian Prime Minister Modi joined the live landing of Chandrayaan-3 from South Africa where he is attending the BRICS summit. To know more about the mission, watch this interview with an ISRO space scientist from the Chandrayaan-1 mission, Prof. Narendra Bhandari.

Chandrayaan-3: Historic mission to land on Lunar south pole leaves world in awe

India's Chandrayaan-3 mission is progressing slowly for a lunar touchdown at 6pm IST on the 23rd of August. People pray across the country for Chandrayaan-3's safe landing while schools assemble for a live telecast of the landing.

Special prayers across India for Chandrayaan-3's safe landing

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- India is gearing up for the soft landing of its Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission but the last 20 minutes right before the scheduled landing are set to become the most nail-biting moments of the mission. This is because the last 20 minutes of the mission will comprise an autonomous movement.

Chandrayaan-3: Why the last 20 mins of ISRO's historic mission will be important?

India's Chandrayaan-3 mission is progressing slowly for a lunar touchdown at 6pm IST on the 23rd of August. The LVM3 rocket pushed the Chandrayaan-3 into space. Now within hours from landing let's understand the science behind such precise travel.

Steering Chandrayaan-3 to the moon

India's moon mission is on track to make a soft Landing. The historic Mission would make it only the fourth time in the world to do so but as the Chandrayaan-3 readies itself for the most critical part the landing. WION's Sidharth MP explains more.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission: After Russia fail, all eyes on ISRO's moon landing

India's Chandrayaan-3 mission is progressing slowly for a lunar touchdown at 6pm IST on the 23rd of August. The LVM3 rocket pushed the Chandrayaan-3 into space. Now within hours from landing let's understand the science behind such precise travel. Watch this interview with former Deputy Director of ISRO, Arup Dasgupta.

How ISRO plans to spacefarer to the moon

India's Chandrayaan-3 mission is progressing slowly for a lunar touchdown at 6pm IST on the 23rd of August. However, in case of an anomaly, the landing could be postponed to Sunday the 27th of August. Watch to know what the Moon Man of India who was also the former ISRO Director Dr Mylswamy Annadurai has to say about the mission.

Decoding Chandrayaan-3 landing: 'If problem arises, landing could be delayed'

In this space competition, India hopes to win this week by landing first on the Moon's South Pole is not just about science and status but about money as well India is opening its space sector to foreign investment to increase its share. To know more watch this interview with the Senior Analyst of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Dr Malcolm Davis.

The world watches as India's Chandrayaan-3 attempts to land on moon

India's Chandrayaan-3 mission is progressing slowly for a lunar touchdown at 6pm IST on the 23rd of August. However, in case of an anomaly, the landing could be postponed to Sunday the 27th of August. Watch to know what the Moon Man of India who was also the former ISRO Satellite Centre Director Dr Mylswamy Annadurai has to say about the mission.

Dr Mylswamy Annadurai speaks to WION on Chandrayaan-3 landing

<p>Russia's first moon mission in nearly five decades took a disastrous turn when its Luna-25 spacecraft lost control and crashed into the moon due to a pre-landing orbit issue.</p>

<p>Russian state television ranked the Luna-25's loss as the eighth news item during its noon broadcast, allotting a mere 26 seconds to the story. This minimal coverage followed reports on fires in Tenerife and a more extensive four-minute segment discussing a professional holiday for Russian pilots and crews.</p>

<h2><strong>Mission gone awry </strong></h2>

<p>Roscosmos revealed that the Luna-25 spacecraft, intended for a soft landing on the moon, veered into an erratic orbit before its ill-fated crash. A dedicated inter-departmental commission has been established to investigate the causes behind this significant loss, which had raised expectations of Russia's resurgence in lunar exploration.</p>

<p>This failure serves as a stark reminder of Russia's diminished space prowess since its illustrious days of Cold War competition. During that era, Moscow achieved monumental milestones, including launching the first Earth-orbiting satellite, Sputnik 1, in 1957, and sending Yuri Gagarin into space in 1961 as the first human in orbit.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-indias-chandrayaan-3-loses-russian-co-traveller-luna-25-what-are-its-implications-627245">Explained: India's Chandrayaan-3 loses Russian co-traveller Luna-25. What are its implications?</a></p>

<p>Russia's space ambitions are now contending with formidable rivals such as India, China, and the United States, all pursuing ambitious lunar programs. As the Luna-25 mission faltered, India's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft was set to make its own lunar landing. The Russian space community faces its own share of challenges, including a beleaguered economy, Western sanctions, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict.</p>

<h2><strong>Analysing the setback </strong></h2>

<p>The Luna-25 mission faced technical vulnerabilities in its flight control system that required numerous adjustments, according to Anatoly Zak, a space program expert. Additionally, the mission's choice of an ambitious moon landing as opposed to a simpler orbital mission diverged from established practices. While Russia's lunar aspirations include future joint ventures with China, the crash casts a shadow on the program's future.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Chandrayaan-3: Second and final de-boosting of Vikram Lander successful</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Internal issues in the space programme&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Russia's space scientists have voiced concerns about managerial inefficiencies, corrupt practices, and a decline in the rigour of the country's post-Soviet scientific education system. These factors, coupled with unrealistically ambitious space projects, have been undermining the space programme's overall strength.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russia's first moon mission in nearly five decades took a disastrous turn when its Luna-25 spacecraft lost control and crashed into the moon due to a pre-landing orbit issue.

Russia's first moon mission in nearly five decades took a disastrous turn when its Luna-25 spacecraft lost control and crashed into the moon due to a pre-landing orbit issue. Russian state television ranked the Luna-25's loss as the eighth news item during its noon broadcast, allotting a mere 26 seconds to the story. This minimal coverage followed reports on fires in Tenerife and a more extensive four-minute segment discussing a professional holiday for Russian pilots and crews. Mission gone awry Roscosmos revealed that the Luna-25 spacecraft, intended for a soft landing on the moon, veered into an erratic orbit before its ill-fated crash. A dedicated inter-departmental commission has been established to investigate the causes behind this significant loss, which had raised expectations of Russia's resurgence in lunar exploration. This failure serves as a stark reminder of Russia's diminished space prowess since its illustrious days of Cold War competition. During that era, Moscow achieved monumental milestones, including launching the first Earth-orbiting satellite, Sputnik 1, in 1957, and sending Yuri Gagarin into space in 1961 as the first human in orbit. Also read | Explained: India's Chandrayaan-3 loses Russian co-traveller Luna-25. What are its implications? Russia's space ambitions are now contending with formidable rivals such as India, China, and the United States, all pursuing ambitious lunar programs. As the Luna-25 mission faltered, India's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft was set to make its own lunar landing. The Russian space community faces its own share of challenges, including a beleaguered economy, Western sanctions, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Analysing the setback The Luna-25 mission faced technical vulnerabilities in its flight control system that required numerous adjustments, according to Anatoly Zak, a space program expert. Additionally, the mission's choice of an ambitious moon landing as opposed to a simpler orbital mission diverged from established practices. While Russia's lunar aspirations include future joint ventures with China, the crash casts a shadow on the program's future. Also watch | Chandrayaan-3: Second and final de-boosting of Vikram Lander successful Internal issues in the space programme Russia's space scientists have voiced concerns about managerial inefficiencies, corrupt practices, and a decline in the rigour of the country's post-Soviet scientific education system. These factors, coupled with unrealistically ambitious space projects, have been undermining the space programme's overall strength. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Luna-25 crash receives mere 26-second coverage on Russian state television

Chandrayaan 3 is on the final leg of its journey to the moon. Dr Ajay Lele, Senior Fellow, MP-IDSA tells Vikram Chandra that achieving a soft landing on the Moon's south pole is fairly challenging, but India is in a much better position compared to its last mission.

Chandrayaan-3: India’s tryst with the moon

ISRO announced the successful separation of the Vikram lander module carrying the Pragyan rover from the propulsion module on Thursday. This kicks off the last phase of the India moon mission. To know more watch this interview with a former scientist of ISRO, Manish Purohit.

Chandrayaan-3: India's lunar mission captures global interest

ISRO announced the successful separation of the Vikram lander module carrying the Pragyan rover from the propulsion module on Thursday. This kicks off the last phase of the India moon mission.

Chandrayaan-3: India set to become fourth country to land on the moon

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