India’s First National Space Day: August 23, 2024

Tags: Science and Technology Important Days

August 23, 2024 is celebrated as the first National Space Day, marking the historic achievement of the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 mission on the Moon, which took place on this day in 2023.

An Overview of the News

• India became the fourth nation to land a rover on the moon and the first to reach the moon’s southern polar region.

2024 Theme and Celebrations

• Theme: “Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India’s Space Saga” - emphasizing the impact of space exploration on daily life.

• Events: Celebrations at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with live streaming on ISRO’s website and YouTube to engage a national audience.

Mission Background

• Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Launched on July 14, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

• Lander and Rover: The Vikram Lander carried the Pragyaan Rover, which landed near the moon’s southern pole.

National Space Day Declaration

• Prime Minister’s Announcement: Narendra Modi declared August 23 as National Space Day to honor this significant achievement.

• Government Commitment: Reflects India’s dedication to advancing space science and technology.