India marked its second National Space Day with celebrations highlighting the nation’s advancements in space exploration. The day commemorates the historic landing of Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram Lander on the moon’s surface on August 23, 2023. This achievement positioned India as the fourth country to successfully land on the moon and the first to reach its South Pole. After the landing, the Pragyan Rover initiated scientific studies on the lunar surface, and the landing site was named “Shiva Shakti Point”, symbolizing India’s scientific and cultural identity. The Government of India designated August 23 as “National Space Day” to honor this milestone, recognizing the country’s growing space capabilities. This year’s theme, “Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: From Ancient Knowledge to Limitless Possibilities,” reflects India’s journey from its astronomical heritage to its current space missions. The National Space Day program at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, was attended by Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, and ISRO Chairman V Narayanan. This event celebrated the second anniversary of India’s historic lunar landing, which established the nation as a leader in global space research. ISRO chief V. Narayanan acknowledged the significant achievement of sending a ‘Gaganyatri’ to the International Space Station, attributing the initiative to the Prime Minister’s vision.
