Fly Me to the Moon!

August 16, 2023

Aapti Ridhi Jain
Class 10, Hillwoods Academy, New Delhi

With the launch of Chandrayaan-3 on July 14, India became the first country to undertake a mission that aims at exploring the Moon’s south pole. In my opinion, this is a big step towards the improvement of space technology in India and the development of the country. Having learned from the failure of Chandrayaan-2, the previous lunar mission, scientists have made important changes to Chandrayaan-3. This unmanned mission has more guidance instruments and other upgrades. It paves the way for interplanetary missions in the future. As an Indian, I feel elated with its successful launch. I hope the Chandrayaan-3 mission proves to be a success and makes India proud.

Viaan Gawande
Class 6, Thakur International School, Mumbai

With the success of the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), India has already proved its capabilities in the field of space technology. MOM successfully reached Mars’ orbit in the first attempt in 2014, surprising the world. Indian scientists have been working relentlessly towards the success of Chandrayaan-3. They have taken lessons from the shortcomings of Chandrayaan-2 and made a few changes in the lander including improvement of its design, enhanced software, inclusion of stronger landing legs and better sensors. The success of missions like these will lead to future interplanetary missions. Scientists can learn from the successes and failures of previous missions, pushing the limits of space research and space travel. It is also wonderful that Ritu Karidhal, who is known as the Rocket Woman of India, leads this mission. I think this mission will inspire many young scientists and encourage many people to study astronomy.

Aradhya S
Class 5, The Indian Public School, Erode

Chandrayaan-3 shows ISRO’s perseverance towards lunar exploration. It will explore the unexplored part of the Moon, which is its south pole, and any discoveries will be significant not only for India, but also for the world. The rover will explore the Moon, enable scientists to study the geology of the Moon and look for any potential resources. Another objective of this mission is to conduct a safe and soft landing on the Moon. If India is successful in achieving this, we could use these techniques to send humans not only to the Moon, but also to other planets in the future. India is making tremendous progress in the field of space technology. India could also contribute towards the development of space stations like the International Space Station (ISS) in the future.

Riya Premkumar
Class 5, The Indian Public School, Salem

Everyone has been looking forward to the launch of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. I think Chandrayaan-3 is significant as after the failure of the Chandrayaan-2 mission, scientists have analysed the reasons why the Vikram lander crashed. ISRO has made various corrections and upgrades in the systems of Chandrayaan-3 to avert any such issues. Every step takes India closer to a historic feat. ISRO has built Chandrayaan-3 on a comparatively low budget of `615 crores. The mission employs a more fuel-efficient method, which takes advantage of the

Earth’s gravity to reach the Moon. This strategy uses less fuel and is more economical as compared to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Apollo missions. In my opinion, this mission will push the limits of space technology and innovation. Chandrayaan-3’s economical launch and successful landing will inspire missions to other planets in the future.

Akshara S
Class 5, The Indian Public School, Erode

The launch of Chandrayaan-3 is a significant step in the field of Indian space technology. It will enhance humans’ understanding of the Moon and explore the possibilities for human habitation. I am proud to be an Indian as although India is a developing country, we have made remarkable progress in the field of space technology. After Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2, ISRO’s third lunar mission fills us with a lot of hope. It also shows our perseverance and determination. Landing on the Moon’s south pole will be a great accomplishment for India. India is the first Asian country to enter Mars’ orbit with ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM). I think very soon India will work on missions that land on Mars and other planets.