On August 23, India celebrated its first-ever National Space Day with a grand exhibition showcasing the country’s advancements in space technology and achievements. The event, held at Bharat Mandapam, was graced by President Droupadi Murmu, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, and ISRO Chairman S. Somanath. The day marked a celebration of India’s remarkable space journey, highlighted by the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission.
President Murmu distributed awards to winners of ISRO’s Robotics Challenge and the Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon. In his address, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath reflected on the significance of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which landed on the lunar South Pole on August 23, 2023. He noted the profound impact of this achievement, stating, “The Prime Minister’s visit to the control centre and his declaration of August 23 as National Space Day and the landing site as Shiva Shakti Point has elevated our space mission’s importance.”
Somanath emphasized the extensive celebration of National Space Day across India, involving departments, ministries, educational institutions, science organizations, NGOs, and the public. He expressed gratitude to President Murmu for her support and keen interest in space activities and to Union Minister Jitendra Singh for his continuous support of the space sector.
The theme for National Space Day, “Touching Lives While Touching the Moon: India’s Space Saga,” underscored the transformative impact of India’s space missions. The Chandrayaan-3 mission not only made India the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the moon but also the first to land on the lunar South Pole.
Somanath concluded by acknowledging the inspiration and vision provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which has guided the country’s space endeavors. The day aimed to foster a vibrant space ecosystem and explore future opportunities in the space sector.