Chandrayaan-3: India's Historic Moon South Pole Landing

India's Historic Achievement

On 23 August 2023, India became the first and only country to land on the Moon's south pole. Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander touched down at Shiv Shakti Point (69.37°S, 32.35°E) at 18:04 IST. The Pragyan rover operated for 14 Earth days.

Is Chandrayaan-3 Still on the Moon?

Yes. Vikram lander remains at Shiv Shakti Point — the mission is scientifically complete. Pragyan discovered sulphur, oxygen, aluminium, iron, calcium, chromium, titanium, manganese, and silicon at the lunar south pole — the first-ever in-situ measurements from this region.

Why the South Pole Matters

The Moon's south pole has permanently shadowed craters that may hold billions of tonnes of water ice — critical for future crewed missions, rocket fuel, and lunar habitation. India's discovery of sulphur was a world first.

Key Mission Facts

Landing: 23 August 2023 · Cost: Rs 615 Crore ($75M) · Rover name: Pragyan · Active duration: 14 Earth days · Previous south pole attempts: Luna-25 (Russia) crashed 3 days earlier

Source

ISRO.gov.in · Indian Space Research Organisation