Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi 2hailing the successful landing of India's Chandrayaan-3 3spacecraft on the moon. The Wednesday landing made India the fourth nation ever to 4accomplish such a feat behind the United States, the former Soviet Union and China.
Chandrayaan-3 landed closer to the moon's South Pole than any other spacecraft in history has ventured. A significant achievement, as the5South Pole region is 6considered an area of key scientific and 7strategic interest worldwide. Because scientists believe it is home to water ice 8deposits. That ice could be 9converted into rocket fuel or even drinking water for future crewed missions. More than 8 million people tuned in to watch a live stream of the spacecraft's 10soft landing.
Crowds of 11ecstatic 12observers gathered across India to take in the historic event. Modi, who was attending an 13economic summit in South Africa at the time, joined them in the celebration virtually.
¡°When we see such historic moments with our own eyes, it makes us very proud. This is the dawn of new India.¡±
The lander and rover are expected to function for about two weeks on the moon's 14surface, with the 15propulsion module remaining 16in orbitto beam data back to Earth.
¡°They've done very well. They have their own plans in the next few years to fly their own 17astronauts into space. They've developed advanced rockets and 18cryogenic engines, so they're doing quite well.¡±
