On August 23, 2023, India made history by becoming the first nation to land on the southern polar region of the Moon. This remarkable feat also placed India as the fourth country to achieve a successful Moon landing, joining the ranks of space giants like Russia, the United States, and China. Behind this extraordinary achievement lies a story of dedication, intellect, and a collective effort from across India, including significant contributions from the Northeast region. This triumph underscores the importance of National Space Day, celebrated on the same date, as a moment to recognize India’s growing prowess in space exploration.
Among the brilliant minds behind Chandrayaan-3, several hail from the Northeast, showcasing the region's intellectual contribution to India's space ambitions. Leading this prestigious mission was Pankaj Nath, a scientist from the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Nath, who completed his B.Tech and M.Tech degrees from the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), proved that Assam’s talent could shine on the global stage. His leadership in landing Chandrayaan-3 successfully demonstrated the Northeast’s growing role in shaping India’s space exploration narrative.
In the town of Tinsukia, a palpable sense of pride filled the air as Nidhi Sharma, another scientist from Assam, took a prominent role in Chandrayaan-3’s mission. With over a decade of service at ISRO, Sharma’s dedication to the agency was also seen during Chandrayaan-2. Her unyielding commitment to space exploration has made her a beacon of inspiration for the youth of Assam and beyond.
Chayan Dutta, another proud son of the Northeast, played a crucial role as the Deputy Project Director for Chandrayaan-3, managing the Mission Launch and Landing Control Centre. An alumnus of Tezpur University and North Lakhimpur College (Autonomous), Dutta’s journey showcases the power of education and perseverance. His role in ensuring a smooth launch and landing cemented his place in India’s space history.
From the serene landscapes of Manipur, Dr. Ningthoujiam Raghu Singh, a scientist from the Bishnupur district, was among the minds that guided the Chandrayaan-3 mission. An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, IIT-Guwahati, and DM College of Science, Imphal, Dr. Raghu's expertise contributed to India’s historic lunar success. His achievements reflect Manipur’s academic excellence and its growing influence in the scientific community.
Also from the Northeast, Y Bishal Singha, a Thermal Systems Engineer from Silchar, Assam, played a key role in Chandrayaan-3. An alumnus of IIT Guwahati, Singha's expertise in thermal systems was crucial for ensuring the spacecraft's safety and functionality during the mission. Another Manipuri, Noel Mathiulungbo Chawang, working as Scientist-C, was also part of this elite team, along with other talented Manipuris, including James Leichombam and Leichombam Praneshori, who serve in different departments of ISRO. While the Northeast has made remarkable strides in the space sector, the success of Chandrayaan-3 is a testament to the combined efforts of scientists, engineers, and technicians from every corner of India.
August 23rd, now celebrated as National Space Day, holds immense significance for India. This day not only marks the historic landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon's southern pole but also symbolizes the country’s ascent as a global space power. National Space Day is a time to recognize and honor the dedication, perseverance, and vision of India’s space scientists and engineers. It serves as a reminder of the importance of scientific research, innovation, and collaboration in achieving seemingly impossible goals.
As India continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, National Space Day encourages young minds to dream big and pursue careers in science and technology. As the country continues to celebrate its achievements on National Space Day, it is clear that the sky is not the limit—it is just the beginning.
