India Carves History with Spectacular Spacecraft Landing on the Moon

BY: Michelle Liew

India has created history as the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft has safely and successfully landed on the moon just recently, making it the fourth country in the world to achieve such a feat.

Previously, only the United States, China and the former Soviet Union had successfully landed on the surface of the Moon.

Chandrayaan-3's landing site is closer to the Moon's south pole than any other spacecraft in the history of exploration.

The southern polar region is considered an area of major scientific and strategic interest for spacefaring nations because scientists believe it hosts water ice deposits.

The water frozen in the shadowy crater could be turned into rocket fuel or drinking water for future crew missions.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently in South Africa to attend the BRICS conference, watched the historic landing and delivered a speech via video streaming.

"On this happy occasion, I would like to address everyone in the world. This success belongs to everyone, and it will help missions to the Moon by other countries in the future," he said.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission was launched in mid-July and orbited the Earth several times to increase the speed required for its journey.