Chandrayaan-3: The Team Behind India's Successful Moon Mission

In a momentous achievement, India's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft has executed a flawless soft landing on the lunar surface, firmly etching India's name among the elite group of nations capable of this complex lunar technology. The momentous touchdown occurred precisely at 6:04 pm on August 23, 2023, in line with the scheduled plan.

Marking a historic achievement, Chandrayaan-3's successful lunar landing catapults India into the esteemed company of the United States, China, and the former Soviet Union, becoming the fourth nation to conquer the challenge of gentle lunar landings.

Central to the mission's success were 54 adept female engineers and scientists, who played pivotal roles across various facets of the Chandrayaan-3 endeavor. These accomplished women held positions such as associate and deputy project directors, as well as project managers for different systems, demonstrating the prowess and diversity of India's scientific community.

Behind this monumental success are key individuals who navigated the complexities of Chandrayaan-3:

S Somanath, ISRO Chairman

At the helm of India's ambitious lunar mission stands ISRO Chief S Somanath. Credited not only with orchestrating the Chandrayaan-3 triumph but also expediting other vital ISRO missions like Gaganyaan and the Sun-mission Aditya-L1, Somanath's influence has been deeply ingrained in shaping India's space endeavors. His tenure included directorial roles at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, pivotal centers in rocket technology development.

P Veeramuthuvel, Chandrayaan-3 Project Director

Leading the charge for India's recent lunar touchdown is P Veeramuthuvel, who assumed leadership in 2019. Hailing from the Space Infrastructure Programme Office at ISRO headquarters, Veeramuthuvel's technical prowess was instrumental in the Chandrayaan-2 mission as well, particularly in negotiations with NASA. An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, he represents Tamil Nadu's Villupuram and its academic excellence.

Mohana Kumar, Mission Director

S Mohana Kumar, a seasoned scientist from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, shoulders the role of mission director for Chandrayaan-3. Notably, Kumar spearheaded the successful commercial launch of One Web India 2 satellites aboard the LVM3-M3 mission.

S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)

Heading the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thumba, Kerala, S Unnikrishnan Nair and his team played a pivotal role in critical aspects of the mission. The center was integral in developing the Launch Vehicle Mark-III rocket, now known as Launch Vehicle Mark-III, a vital contribution to India's space capabilities.

M Sankaran, Director of U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC)

M Sankaran, the director of U R Rao Satellite Centre, spearheads India's satellite endeavors catering to communication, navigation, remote sensing, meteorology, and inter-planetary exploration. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the center that designs and develops ISRO's satellite fleet.

A Rajarajan, Chief of Launch Authorisation Board (LAB)

A scientist and director of Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC SHAR), Sriharikota, A Rajarajan's expertise lies in composites. His responsibilities include overseeing solid motor production, launch complex infrastructure, and authorizing launches, including those for ISRO's Human Space Programme (Gaganyaan) and SSLV.

Collectively, this talented cohort of individuals has driven the Chandrayaan-3 mission to fruition, achieving a remarkable milestone in India's space exploration journey. Their dedication, expertise, and leadership highlight the nation's prowess in space technology and reinforce India's position as a significant player on the global space stage.