India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission gears up for a historic Moon landing with global prayers and PM Modi’s virtual presence. Watch live as Vikram Lander aims for a soft touchdown on the lunar surface.

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PM Modi to Attend Virtually from BRICS Summit

India is gearing up for an extraordinary space achievement as Chandrayaan-3, the country’s lunar mission, aims to make history by landing on the far side of the Moon. This groundbreaking mission, launched on July 14, is set to reach its pinnacle on Wednesday as the Vikram lander touches down and deploys the Pragyan rover.

A Remarkable Endeavor by ISRO

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is at the helm of this incredible venture, marking its third lunar mission in just fifteen years. The event’s anticipation and excitement have reached global proportions, with well-wishes pouring in from all corners of the world.

Global Prayers for Success

In London, Indian students and scholars organized a special prayer at the Adya Shakti Mataji Temple. In contrast, members of the Indian diaspora in Virginia, US, performed a havan at a temple. Back in India, prayers and rituals took place in various locations, including a Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ghat in Rishikesh, havans in Bhubaneswar, Varanasi, and Prayagraj, and even children in Vadodara offering their prayers for a safe landing. In Lucknow, people offered namaz at the Islamic Center of India, showcasing the widespread hope for Chandrayaan-3’s success.

Vikram Lander’s Historic Descent

All eyes are fixed on the Vikram Lander, a vessel named in honor of Vikram Sarabhai, the visionary behind India’s space program. Currently orbiting the Moon at an altitude of 70 km, the lander is poised to break free from orbit and initiate a descent. As it approaches the surface, its engines will engage to carefully guide its touchdown, aiming for a gentle landing around 20 minutes after descent initiation.

Virtual Presence of PM Modi

While India is on the edge of this monumental achievement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently attending the 15th BRICS Summit in South Africa, will be virtually present to witness the historic event. This virtual participation highlights the government’s commitment to space exploration and scientific progress.

The Countdown to the Momentous Touchdown

The planned time for the attempted soft landing is 6:04 pm (IST), with the descent set to begin around 17 minutes earlier. If all goes well, India will secure its place as the first nation to land on the South Pole of the Moon successfully.

Tuning In to Witness the Historic Moment

For those eager to witness this historic moment, the live telecast of the landing operations will commence at 5:20 pm (IST) on Wednesday. The event can be watched on Facebook and the national broadcaster DD National TV starting from 5:27 pm (IST) on August 23. Alternatively, viewers can join ISRO’s YouTube channel or visit the official website (https://www.isro.gov.in/LIVE_telecast_of_Soft_landing.html) to experience this defining achievement in India’s space journey.