India celebrated its maiden National Space Day [NSpD-2024] on August 23, 2024 with the theme “Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India’s Space Saga.”
- India became the fourth country to land on the moon and the first to reach its southern polar region on August 23, 2023.
- To honour this landmark achievement, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced August 23 as “National Space Day”.
- Chandrayaan-3 mission accomplished safe and soft-landing of Vikram Lander on the lunar surface on August 23, 2023.
- With this, India became the fourth country to land on the moon and first to land near the southern polar region of the moon. T
- The soft-landing was followed by successful deployment of Pragyan Rover.
- The landing site was named as ‘Shiv Shakti’ point (Statio Shiv Shakti).
Science related other days
- National Science Day: The National Science Day (NSD) is celebrated every year on 28 February to commemorate the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’. Government of India designated 28 February as National Science Day (NSD) in 1986.
- National Mathematics Day: As a tribute to the great mathematician, Srinivas Ramanujan, India celebrates his birthday – 22nd December, as National Mathematics Day.
- National Technology Day: National Technology Day is celebrated on May 11 every year to remember the successful nuclear test conducted by India and recognise & honour the significant contributions of scientists and engineers who have played a crucial role in the country’s technological progress.
