Chandrayaan-3: A giant step for Indian scientific progress

by Sakshi Singh

Now that India has given its ambitious moon mission another shot after the 2019 failure, the spotlight is once again on the programme’s potential to propel the space sector and drive economic growth.

Chandrayaan-3 is India’s third lunar mission and second attempt at achieving a soft landing on the moon’s surface. Launch of Chandrayaan-3 is being seen as a giant step for Indian scientific progress. It launched off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Andhra Pradesh at 2:35 pm IST on July 14, 2023. The lander and rover landed near the lunar south pole region on August 23, 2023.

This mission holds great importance as it contributes to our understanding of the moon and builds India’s reputation in the global space community.

Let’s look at the economic, international and social benefits of this project.

Economic effects:

●          Vikram’s soft landing on the south pole of the moon will get India a free pass to the club of space elites and not to forget a million-dollar lunar business leap.

●          The “lunar economy” is led by the USA, purchasing launch contracts worth $634 billion. India too wants a piece of this billion-dollar cake.

●          Based on the current growth trajectory, India’s space sector could become a 1 trillion dollar economy in the coming years.

●          An investment of 615 crore rupees will open a door straight into space, bringing in opportunities, employment and global investments. Though it sounds like a huge sum of investment, but it’s way less than some movie budgets!

International benefits:

●          The USA is keen to reap the advantages of this historic lunar voyage. 

●          India has recently signed on to the “NASA- Led Artemis Accords” which advances a space vision. The Accord opens doors for collaboration between the two countries.

 ●         The White House claims that data from Chandrayaan-3 could prove useful for future Artemis human landings.

Social effects:

●          “USA’s Artemis” mission plans to land people on the moon, private business and startups are also to follow the path of lunar transportation as Musk’s spaceX.

●          In 2021, “NASA’s Artemis” program generated $2.2 billion, more such programs will not only provide a brisk walk into business but will also move into the entertainment sector as well.

Epilogue:

So, let’s meet on the moon for the 2050 summer vacations?

People landing on the moon for vacations. Sounds like a sci-fi movie, right? The lunar transportation is most likely to make you the lead character of this movie. With some dollars and billions of hopes, Chandrayaan 3 was launched in July.

Now, all are waiting for the movie to begin.

Sakshi Singh is a 19-year-old student from India who has a keen interest in politics and economics.