First National Space Day

Context:

India to celebrate its First National Space Day, marking the anniversary of Chandraayan-3’s historic moon landing.

About:

The Indian government officially designated August 23 as National Space Day in recognition of this significant accomplishment, reflecting India’s expanding capabilities in space exploration and highlighting the vital role of space science and technology in national development.

• The Chandrayaan-3 mission, launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, achieved a safe and soft landing of the Vikram Lander on the Moon’s surface.
• This achievement signifies a historic milestone for the nation, as India became “only the fourth country globally to successfully land a rover on the Moon” and the “first to do so in the southern polar region”.
• Accompanied by the Pragyaan Rover, the Vikram Lander touched down at a site designated as ‘Shiv Shakti.’
• Following the successful landing, the Pragyaan Rover was deployed, further advancing India’s exploration efforts on the lunar surface.
• The theme for National Space Day 2024 is “Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India’s Space Saga,”.
• It highlighting the broader impact of space exploration on society and emphasising how advancements in space technology can enhance the quality of life on Earth.
• The day aims to engage the public and inspire future generations to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
• National Space Day serves not only as a celebration of India’s achievements in space but also as a platform to promote awareness and education about the importance of space exploration.