India To Observe August 23 As National Space Day To Celebrate Chandrayaan-3's Success

India will observe August 23 as National Space Day to commemorate the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 lander on the lunar South Pole on that day in 2023. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday during his visit to the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru.

The Prime Minister arrived in Bengaluru to extend his congratulations to the scientists of the Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO).

Upon his arrival at the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) airport, Modi addressed the gathered multitude, expressing that not only individuals within India but also people worldwide who believe in science are part of this celebration.

Furthermore, PM Modi announced that the site where Chandrayaan-3's lunar lander touched down would now be named 'Shiv Shakti'.

As India joins the global festivities in acknowledging its historic achievement of lunar landing, queries arise about the rationale behind ISRO's selection of the Vikram lander for the moon's South Pole.

ISRO Chief S Somanath elucidated the rationale behind choosing the moon's South Pole for Chandrayaan-3's landing. He stated, "We have approached the South Pole, which is at nearly 70 degrees. The South Pole offers an advantage due to its reduced exposure to sunlight. This characteristic presents the potential for greater scientific exploration... Scientists dedicated to lunar research have exhibited significant interest in the South Pole. Ultimately, as humans aspire to establish colonies and venture beyond, we are seeking the most optimal location, and the South Pole holds the promise for that aspiration..."