Significance of moon landings missions- A new success: Space is an area that necessitates expansive collaboration

Source: The post significance of moon landings missions has been created, based on the article “A new success: Space is an area that necessitates expansive collaboration” published in “The Hindu” on 26th February 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Science and technology-Space

News: The article discusses recent moon landings by different countries and organizations. It highlights India’s successful Chandrayaan-3 mission, Russia’s failed Luna 25 mission, and the U.S.-based Intuitive Machines’ first private moon landing. The article emphasizes the role of collaboration and private sector involvement in space exploration.

What recent moon landings have occurred?

India’s Chandrayaan-3 successfully soft-landed on the moon, a significant achievement for ISRO.

Russia’s Luna 25 mission failed, showing challenges for Roscosmos.

The U.S. company Intuitive Machines achieved the first private soft landing on the moon.

What is the significance of moon landings missions?

Global Participation: Recent missions like India’s successful Chandrayaan-3 and Russia’s Luna 25 indicate a growing global interest in lunar exploration.

Private Sector Milestone: The U.S.-based Intuitive Machines’ successful landing marks a new era of private companies playing a significant role in space exploration, facilitated by NASA’s CLPS program.

Technological Advancements: These missions showcase advancements in space technology, with ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 highlighting India’s capabilities and Intuitive Machines overcoming a navigation glitch, demonstrating the importance of innovation and problem-solving in space missions.

Learning from Success and Failure: Both successful and failed missions provide valuable insights for future space exploration, enhancing understanding and strategies in this field.

How are different countries contributing?

United States: Through NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, the U.S. is nurturing private space ventures, exemplified by Intuitive Machines’ successful moon landing, highlighting the synergy between government initiatives and private sector innovation.

India: By successfully launching Chandrayaan-3, India, under ISRO, is demonstrating its growing prowess in space technology, emerging as a significant player in lunar exploration and showcasing advancements made in space research post-colonial era.

Russia: Despite the setback with Luna 25, Russia, via Roscosmos, continues its long-standing tradition in space exploration, contributing valuable experiences and lessons to the global space community, albeit facing challenges in maintaining its historical reputation in the field.

Question for practice:

Discuss the recent developments in lunar exploration missions and the significance of global collaboration and private sector involvement in space exploration.