CHANDRAYAN II ON THE MOON
LT COL NOEL ELLIS
23/VIII/2023
On 07 Sept 2019, I wrote when Chandrayan II bounced a little too hard while landing on the moon and dreamt of the day when we would again land successfully. The day finally came today. My chest swells with pride as an Indian.
What our scientists have achieved is just the tip of an iceberg. We have the galaxy to explore. Let me congratulate each one of them for their tireless efforts, dedication, and devotion, to taste success finally. Moon remains a mystery no more thanks to them.
There were tears in the eyes of the ISRO Chairman last time when he hugged the Prime Minister. Today too there were tears but of joy in everyone’s eyes. Well done team, you deserve all Kudos.
A mission like this needs meticulous planning. How hard you simulate, cater for contingencies, work out N number of alternate plans, there are bound to be parameters beyond human control. Every pin and screw have to fit in perfectly.
As I was watching the live telecast, there was an array of scientists and technicians who were manning their stations. Their excitement was palpable. The tension and pin drop silence said it all. It was only when the landing was completed did that tension vanish.
Prayers from all over, irrespective of the faith, were done for this mission. But behind the prayers is the hard work and toil of even the housekeeper of the complex. He too deserves a salute.
The sea of people involved in this experiment were totally ‘unknown’. They worked in anonymity with only one aim in mind. Every sub-team put in their best to do this feat. The team leader stood with them for sure and they believed in their abilities.
How unfortunate that the Russian Luna mission failed. I wish the two missions could have shaken hands on the surface of the moon, like we maintain relations here on earth.
There was a time when developed nations were classified not only by their economic might but with their space power also. We have stepped into that sphere with a bang. This is a giant leap for India. One mission will give way to another. Confidence of the scientists is at its peak. They will now send bigger payloads to carry out more experiments.
Sqn Ldr Rakesh Sharma, Ashok Chakara, was the first Indian in space, who said, Sare Jahan se Achha from high above…. Soon we should have an ‘Indonaut’ not only on the surface of the moon but many other moons and planets.
My sincere thanks to the teams of ISRO. You make us all proud. I hope TV channels and newspapers list out the people who were directly involved in expedition Chandrayaan II. Posters of this bunch should replace cut outs of Politicians and Netas across the country. A mention of their names in school assemblies must be done because our memory is very short. Maybe a chapter on this mission forms part of their curriculum.
A social media campaign by ‘media cells’ who need to take note and publish praises of these scientists by name, sans political flavour for this fantastic achievement.
‘Ye Chand sa roshan chehra’ of the ISRO Chief said everything without saying anything. Remember they chose to land on the dark side of the moon, which also reminded me of a song by Julio Iglesias called Moonlight Lady https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJRyyi7RdMo and the album walking on the moon by Police https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPwMdZOlPo8 .
Congratulations India, congratulations team ISRO, time is not far when one of us would be walking on the moon. The National and ISRO flags are already imprinted there. Now we need a human footprint too. How soon will that be? I wonder!!!!!!!!
JAI HIND
© ® NOEL ELLIS
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