Chandrayaan-3 Moon Landing Highlights: Pragyan rover shares first photo after rolling out

Countdown begins as Chandrayaan-3 prepares to land

Check out this crucial explainer on India's moon-landing efforts

Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Chandrayaan-3 will attempt its descent to the moon's surface on August 23, 6:04 pm, and if successful India will become the fourth country to achieve this feat.

However, this will be no easy feat and the nation knows that all too well given the last mission—Chandrayaan-2—crashed.

To understand why the soft landing on the dark side of the Moon is difficult, it becomes essential to get more clarity about the proposed primary landing site. Read the full story right here!

VHP, Arya Samaj to hold mega 'yajna' for successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on moon's surface

The Vishva Hindu Parishad on Tuesday said a mega 'yajna' will be held in the national capital for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface.

The 'yajna' will be held on Wednesday morning by the Arya Samaj and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) at the Arya Samaj Mandir in Sant Nagar, it said.

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Chandrayaan missions: A giant leap for India

The origins of the Chandrayaan series of missions goes back over two decades. While the idea for an Indian scientific mission to the moon was floated in the late 1990s, the mission was formally announced by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during his Independence Day speech in 2003.

Check out the full story right here!

Annai speaks on Chandrayaan-3

"India is all set to join a very elite club of nations. We are on the verge of landing a rover and a lander at the south pole- technically the tough side of the Moon. The country is looking forward to this great moment. Especially when Russia- a country with a lot of progress in space technology failed to land their ranger lander two days back. We look forward to prove to the world that India's science is at par with the world's best," said the Tamil Nadu BJP president in an interview to news agency ANI.

Chandrayaan-3: Ahead of Moon landing, a look at its milestones

If it's successful, India will become the fourth country after the United States, the former Soviet Union (now Russia) and China to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface. While the nation eagerly awaits to witness this achievement. Read the full story right here!

Excited, eagerly awaiting Chandrayaan-3's Moon landing, says Sunita Williams

With the highly anticipated landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon scheduled for Wednesday, Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams has expressed her excitement and anticipation for the event.

Williams, renowned for her remarkable contributions to space expeditions, eagerly looks forward to the Pragyaan rover's exploration of the lunar south pole, which holds great promise for scientific discoveries.

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The Mission Operations Complex (MOX) is buzzed with energy & excitement!: ISRO

Chandrayaan-3: PM Modi to virtually witness attempted lunar landing in South Africa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prayers offered at Om Sri Sai Balaji Temple in New Jersey for successful landing of Chandrayaan-3

Special 'Bhasma Aarti' performed at Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3

According to ISRO, Chandrayaan-3 is all set to land on the Moon on August 23 at around 18:04 hrs IST.

BJP leader Mohsin Raza says, "All people of the country are excited for #Chandrayaan3 and are praying for its success. We are also praying for its successful landing and it will be a proud moment for the country..."

Chandrayaan-3 is a big achievement for the country: Bhupesh Baghel

On Chandrayaan-3, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel says, "It's a big achievement for the country and the hard work of our scientists. 'Jo Aadharshila (foundation stone) Nehru Ji ne rakha, aaj world mein danka baja raha hai'. Best wishes to our scientists."

Astronomer, Professor, Dr RC Kapoor prays for successful landing of Chandrayaan-3

Bengaluru: On the Chandrayaan-3 mission, Astronomer, Professor, Dr RC Kapoor says, "...The world & various space agencies are tracking & have their eyes on Chandrayaan. ISRO is one of the best space agencies in the world. We hope that we are successful in the soft landing...With this ISRO will become the fourth agency to have done a soft landing (successful landing) on the moon..."

Lot of changes have been made In Chandryaan-3 in comparison to Chandrayaan-2: Former director of ISRO, Dr Surendra Pal

Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancer Pooja Hirwade performs Bharatanatyam on 'Namō Namō Bhāratāmbē' and Chandrayaan Anthem

The lander is at the doorstep of the Moon, says scientist Dr TV Venkateswaran on Chandrayaan-3

Locals in Varanasi perform Ganga Aarti for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface of Moon, scheduled later today

Devotees offer prayers for successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 during the Mahakal Aarti in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Russia's failure just shows how difficult it is to land on the moon: CEO & chief educator, Rocketeers Research Institute, Divyanshu Poddar

On Chandrayaan 3 mission, CEO & chief educator, Rocketeers Research Institute, Divyanshu Poddar says, "It will be a great achievement for us if we successfully land on the moon. We will become the second country to make a soft landing...We have learnt a lot from Chandrayaan 2...We have made changes in our communication, propulsion & in the legs...Russia's failure just shows how difficult it is to land on the moon..."

RSS leader Sunil Ambekar congratulates all scientists for their great efforts in Chandrayaan-3 mission

RSS leader Sunil Ambekar says, "India's Chandrayaan-3 mission is very important for all of us. Scientists of our country have brought laurels to India...I congratulate all our scientists and extend them greetings. I believe that this will definitely be successful."

Students in Jammu organized an exhibition & sang songs for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3

Chandrayaan-3: Poet-diplomat Abhay K pens ‘Moon Anthem’ ahead of attempted lunar landing

Hindu group members offer prayers at Sankastahara Ganapathi Temple in Bengaluru for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3

NCP members perform puja at Shree Ganesh Temple Tekdi in Maharashtra's Nagpur for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3

A 'havan' was performed yesterday at Shree Math Baghambari Gaddi in UP's Prayagraj for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3

Centre asks universities and higher education institutions, including IITs and IIMs, to organise special assemblies for watching Chandrayaan-3 moon landing live

Russian Consul General to South India, Oleg Nikolayevich Avdeev on Chandrayaan-3 Moon landing

On Chandrayaan-3 mission, Russian Consul General to South India, Oleg Nikolayevich Avdeev says, "Today Chandhrayaan 3 is expected to land on the surface of the moon. Everyone in India is eagerly waiting for that to happen. Everyone has great expectations & I am also looking forward to the successful landing of the rover on the surface of the moon..."

Shivraj Singh Chouhan speaks on Moon landing

Workers of Shiv Sena offer prayers at Shree Siddhivinayak Mandir in Pune for the successful lunar landing of Chandrayaan-3

Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak wishes and prays for Chandrayaan-3's soft landing

Lucknow: On Chandrayaan-3 mission, Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak says, "I want to give my best wishes & pray that Chandrayaan-3 makes a soft landing on the moon. The entire country is waiting. Under PM Modi's leadership India has progressed rapidly in every sector...I salute the scientists..."

Tamil Nadu | Priests from Rameswaram Agni Theertham Priests Welfare Association offer prayers at the Agni Theertham beach for the successful lunar landing of Chandrayaan-3

Students in Moradabad paint their faces & display posters for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3

Uttarakhand: A special Ganga Pujan was performed today at the Haridwar by Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Yoga Temple Tapkeshwar Mahadev Dehradun for the successful landing of Chandrayaan- 3

Prayers offered at Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan for the successful lunar landing of Chandrayaan-3

International Sand Artist Sudarsan Pattnaik creates a miniature sand sculpture at Denver, Colorado in the US, for the successful moon landing

Our scientists have done a great job, says Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivakumar

Pushkar Singh Dhami congratulates ISRO scientists over Moon mission

Delhi | Students of Vidya Bal Bhawan Public School in Mayur Vihar-3 wave the Tiranga, raise slogans and play musical instruments as the nation awaits the successful lunar landing

It will be a great thing for humanity because no one has been able to land on the south side of the Moon: Son of ISRO founder Vikram Sarabhai, Kartikeya Sarabhai said

On Chandrayaan-3 mission, son of ISRO founder Vikram Sarabhai, Kartikeya Sarabhai says, "It is a big day. It is a fantastic thing for anyone on the planet not just India to be able to send this precision with which we have been able to send Chandrayaan-3 & also through a process that is different from others...In science & engineering, we learn from mistakes...It will be a great thing for humanity because no one has been able to land on the south side of the moon..."

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh prays for successful touchdown of Chandrayaan-3

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh says, "We are proud that ISRO scientists are making an effort for the successful lunar landing of Chandryaan. We pray to the Almighty for their success. But there are reports in newspapers that the scientists who made this happen have not received a salary in 17 months. Prime Minister should take note of this too."

History will be created today when under the leadership of PM Modi India's flag will be hoisted on the moon: Scindia

On Chandrayaan-3 mission, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia says, "History will be created today when under the leadership of PM Modi India's flag will be hoisted on the moon. The entire country is eagerly waiting for this moment. The efforts of the scientists & the government for the last nine years will be fulfilled today. We are moving towards success. With this India has been scaling new heights"

Space Strategist, P K Ghosh speaks on Moon mission

Noida: On Chandrayaan-3 mission, Space Strategist, PK Ghosh says, "I think it is a very big day for India. The reason is that Chandrayaan 2 could not land & now we want to show the entire world that we not only have the technical capability but we have the ability to go and do a soft landing on the South Pole. The South Pole is an area where there has been no landing uptill now...All the landings earlier have been in & around the equator. It is difficult to land on the South Pole & therefore it is a great achievement for India to do it on such a small budget. It is a big day..."

So far so good & we expect as per plan 'A' today we must be able to land, says Padma Shri awardee and former ISRO scientist Mylswamy Annadurai

On Chandrayaan-3 mission, Padma Shri awardee and former ISRO scientist Mylswamy Annadurai says, "...So far so good & we expect as per plan 'A' today we must be able to land...Like anyone else, I am also largely awaiting. After the discovery of water by Chandrayaan 1 the world was trying to look at the moon differently..."

The entire country is waiting for this great moment with bated breath: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar

Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar says, "This is a proud moment for every Indian...Our Chandryaan-3 is going to land on the moon. The entire country is waiting for this great moment with bated breath. The entire world has its eyes on this huge leap in Space by India. This will be not just ours but an achievement of the entire humanity. I pray for the success of this mission and congratulate ISRO and our scientists in advance. I also thank PM Narendra Modi who has encouraged and inspired scientists every moment..."

"Chandrayaan-3 is nearing its success. I convey my best wishes to the scientists and pray for their success," says UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya

I thank PM for sending another Chandrayaan (mission) right after the failure of Chandrayaan-2: BJP national general secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam

"I laud the efforts of ISRO scientists and staff who have worked for the Chandrayaan-3 mission and pray for its successful landing. I also thank the PM for sending another Chandrayaan (mission) right after the failure of Chandrayaan-2I also thank the PM for sending another Chandrayaan (mission) right after the failure of Chandrayaan-2," says BJP national general secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam.

Tracing the remarkable journey from launch to lunar surface, the story that propels India into the cosmos: Dr Jitendra Singh

Special program organised for children wherein they will participate and make models of Chandrayaan: Director of Nehru Science Centre, Pramod Grover

Mumbai | Director of Nehru Science Centre, Pramod Grover says, "India had been waiting for this day for long. Ever since the launch of Chandryaan-3, all eyes are on it. Nehru Science Centre has made a lot of preparations. We will show 3D model of the moon. This a facility where people can see even live data. We will show a few pictures of the moon and earlier lunar projects. We have a special program for children wherein 50-60 of them will participate and make models of Chandrayaan...These children will be scientists of tomorrow..."

Yog Guru Ramdev performs puja in Haridwar for the success of Moon mission

We used to say the sky is the limit but India has proved that sky is not the limit we are in outer space: West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose

On Chandrayaan-3 mission, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose says, "As far as Chandrayaan3 is concerned it is a moment of moments for India. We used to say the sky is the limit but India has proved that sky is not the limit we are in outer space...We congratulate the scientists to toil hard to make this happen. This is the beginning of the journey of thousand miles...We will grow higher & higher with science & technology...Our scientists have brought laurels to themselves & glory to the country. This is a proud moment for us..."

Praying for success of Chandrayaan-3 moon landing: Singapore High Commissioner

Chandrayaan-3's success will put India among the very few countries in the world that have made significant contributions to the Space sector: Anurag Thakur

Union Minister Anurag Thakur says, "...India has made a huge leap in the Space sector. All of us are awaiting the moment when Chandrayaan-3 mission becomes successful. This will put India among the very few countries in the world that have made significant contributions to the Space sector..."

All set to initiate the Automatic Landing Sequence (ALS): ISRO tweets

We have invited children to the CM house where we will be watching the touchdown live: CM Ashok Gehlot

Jaipur: On Chandrayaan-3 mission, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot says, "We have invited children to the CM house where we will be watching it (live streaming). I want to congratulate our scientists & everyone associated with this mission. It is a historic mission..."

On Chandrayaan-3 mission, Senior Congress leader Harish Rawat says, "It is a very big achievement & I want to congratulate the scientists in advance...We want that Chandrayaan-3 should land successfully..."

India has progressed tremendously and has been progressing in space since the time of APJ Abdul Kalam: Farooq Abdullah

“India has progressed tremendously and has been progressing in space since the time of APJ Abdul Kalam. All of us are proud of our scientists,” says National Conference president Farooq Abdullah ahead of the scheduled soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on Moon's lunar surface later today.

Jammu school students sing 'Hum Honge Kamyab' ahead of the scheduled landing

Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi speaks on the scheduled soft landing of Chandrayaan-3

Once it reaches 30 km near Moon's South Pole, descending process will begin, says ex-ISRO director

"Everything is going on smoothly. We don't expect any problem. People are talking about August 27, but that is a backup." "The landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon will start around 5:47 pm and continue till 6:04 PM. Once it reaches 30 km near the Moon's South Pole, the descending process will begin," says Dr P Venkitakrishnan, former Director, CBPO, ISROOnce it reaches 30 km near Moon's South Pole, descending process will begin, says ex-ISRO director

“It is a huge achievement for our ISRO scientists that we’ll successfully land the satellite on the Moon today,” says Congress leader Karti Chidambaram

“The success of Chandrayaan-3 will prove that India is also a world power in the space sector,” says BJP leader Satish Poonia

"The credit should go to the scientists and those who put their hard work into this mission," says Congress leader Tariq Anwar

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari wishes successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon's surface. "I am waiting for the clock to turn 6:04 pm," he says.

The scientists in their own way have proved - ‘Jhanda Ooncha Rahe Humara’; says West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose

“The scientists in their own way have proved - ‘Jhanda Ooncha Rahe Humara’. It was said that sky's the limit, but we have proved that sky is not the limit as we have now conquered outer space,” saysWest Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Chandrayaan-3.

"Whole nation is impatiently waiting for that moment when Chandrayaan 3 will be landing on Moon...this is a big achievement...", says AAP Minister Gopal

All technical difficulties faced in Chandrayaan-2 were addressed in this mission: Dr Anand, Senior scientific officer, Nehru Planetarium, Bengaluru

People offer special prayers at a mosque in Bhubaneswar for the successful lunar landing of Chandrayaan-3

“It is certainly a proud moment for all of us. It is a big mission by ISRO. We are proud of our engineers and scientists,” says Congress leader K C Venugopal

Visuals from ISRO Mission Control Centre in Bengaluru

Actor couple Genelia and Riteish Deshmukh say, "We are proud Indians supporting our country."

'Chandrayaan-3' mission operations team members monitor the the sequential execution of commands ahead the arrival of Lander Module (LM) at the designated point on the moon

People offer prayers at Hazratbal Dargah in Srinagar for the successful lunar landing of Chandrayaan-3

Now everyone will say 'Chaand par Chandrayaan hai', says BJP's Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi praised the ISRO scientists for the Chandrayaan-3 mission and said earlier people used to say "Chaand par daagh hai, ab sab kahenge ki Chaand par Chandrayaan hai".

'No comparison with us, India way ahead from us in every field'

"There is no comparison. India is way ahead from us in every field." Locals in Islamabad, Pakistan react on ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Lander Module expected to arrive at designated spot over the Moon at 5:44 pm

Upon receiving the ALS command, the LM activates the throttleable engines for powered descent. The mission operations team will keep confirming the sequential execution of commands, said ISRO.

Schools students in Guwahati gather together to watch Chandrayaan-3 mission soft-landing on Moon

Watch LIVE landing of the Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface here

Live coverage of the Chandrayaan-3 begins at ISTRAC, Peenya

Live coverage at ISTRAC

Countdown begins for historic landing of Chandrayaan-3 on Moon, power descend to be initiated in 3 minutes

Scientists at ISTRAC analysing the lander data as powered descent begins. Lander Module covers about 376 km, “performance so far nominal”.

Since ALS has been activated 1 hour before the power descend starts, no ground intervention happening now

Vertical velocity of the module being brought down as part of the rough braking phase. Current altitude of the module at around 26 km

Altitude of module at 22kms, the next phase is the altitude holding phase

Lander Module at 1km from Moon's surface

Lander Module 149m above Moon's surface

Lander hovers over Moon's surface for 22 seconds, approaching the surface

Chandrayaan-3 landing: ISRO posts congratulatory message as Vikram makes historic landing on Moon

No other country has been able to land on this side of Moon before; this will change all narratives and stories about it, says PM Modi

Our team has been eating, sleeping and breathing Chandrayaan since the past 4 years, says ISRO chief

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar applauds Chandrayaan-3 landing

A historic moment for India; a giant leap in space exploration!

The successful landing of #Chandrayaan3 on the southern pole of the Moon is a testament to our scientific prowess and unwavering determination. Our nation's commitment to advancing space technology has led us to become a global leader.

Congratulations to @ISRO for achieving this remarkable feat and pushing the boundaries of innovation!

Former ISRO chief K Sivan congratulates on the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3

Former ISRO chief, K Sivan congratulates on the successful landing of ISRO's third lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 on the moon "We are really excited...We have been waiting for this moment for a long time. I am very happy," he says.

ISRO's achievement reflects saga of continuity, is truly fantastic, matter of pride that entire world looking up to ISRO, says Congress

Looking forward to the next 14 days, says ISRO chief as Pragyan rover to take over for survey

ISRO chief S Somanath congratulates his team on the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, says, "Thank you everyone for the support...We learned a lot from our failure and today we succeeded. We are looking forward to the next 14 days from now for Chandrayaan-3."

NASA chief congratulates ISRO on successful landing of Chandrayaan-3

Rajnath Singh congratulates on the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3

"I congratulate the ISRO scientist for this success. This is new India and its arms extend from Mars to the Moon," he says.

Prakash Raj tweets congratulations after successful Moon mission

UK Space Agency hails India for successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 Mission

Former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayan congratulates scientists on Moon landing

Former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayan says, " What we have achieved is unbelievable...Every failure of Chandrayaan-2 was addressed and rectified, and its failure was used in our favour..."

Chandrayaan-3 Lander and MOX-ISTRAC in Bengaluru establish contact, sends images of Moon

Chandrayaan-3's triumph mirrors aspirations, capabilities of 140 crore Indians: PM

Chandrayaan-3's success is collective success of every Indian: Mallikarjun Kharge

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat hails successful Moon mission

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday congratulated ISRO on Chandrayaan-3's successful touchdown on the lunar surface and said not only has India achieved this feat, but also become the first to land a spacecraft on the Moon's south pole.

"Until now no one had landed on the South Pole of the Moon. Our scientists achieved the feat of making India the first country to have landed its lunar mission in the south pole of the moon after years of hard work, not only for the country but for humanity across the world," the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief said on X.

Shashi Tharoor congratulates India on successful Chandrayaan-3 landing

Rahul Gandhi congratulates Team ISRO for pioneering feat of Moon landing

Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar express happiness at Chandrayaan-3's historic landing on moon's south pole

ISRO tweets a portion of Chandrayaan-3's landing site

Pragyan rover shares first photos after emerging from Vikram lander

Feeling the fervour all the way from Johannesburg for Chandrayaan-3, tweet PM Modi

Rajasthan minister salutes the 'passengers' on Chandrayaan mission

Sundar Pichai says India's moon landing 'incredible moment'

Through the power of science, India is working towards a brighter future for all, PM Modi says

US Vice President Kamala Harris congratulates India for the historic landing of Chandrayaan-3 on moon

Paulina Kubiak, Spokesperson for the President of the United Nations General Assembly says, "The president congratulates India"