India is celebrating its inaugural National Space Day today, August 23, 2024. This date marks the anniversary of the Chandrayaan-3 mission's successful soft landing of the Vikram Lander on the moon last year. This achievement made India only the fourth nation in the world to land a rover on the lunar surface and the first to do so near the moon's southern polar region. In honor of this historic milestone, the Indian government has officially designated August 23 as National Space Day to highlight the country's advancements in space exploration.
National Space Day underscores India's progress in space technology and research. The success of Chandrayaan-3 not only solidified India’s position as a prominent player in the global space arena but also represents the dedication and expertise of Isro's scientists and engineers. The theme for the inaugural National Space Day is ‘Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India's Space Saga.’ The event will be streamed live on various platforms, featuring discussions, panel talks with space scientists, and educational sessions aimed at inspiring students and space enthusiasts.