NEW DELHI: India achieved a remarkable milestone on Wednesday, etching its name in the annals of space exploration history as the first nation to achieve a successful landing on the Moon's southern pole.

Here it introduces you to the key figures who orchestrated India's historic lunar mission:

S SOMANATH - Chairman, ISRO:
An accomplished aerospace engineer, S Somanath played a pivotal role in the development of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3, also known as the Bahuballi rocket, responsible for propelling Chandrayaan-3 into orbit. A distinguished graduate of the esteemed Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, Somanath's multifaceted talents include proficiency in Sanskrit and even an acting role in a Sanskrit film titled "Yaanam." His very name, Somanath, translates to 'Lord of the Moon.'

M SANKARAN - Director:

Renowned for his expertise in crafting innovative power systems and solar arrays that fuel satellites, M Sankaran stands as a driving force within ISRO. With a career spanning over three decades in satellite engineering, his distinctive touch has graced notable missions like Chandrayaan-1, Mangalyaan, and Chandrayaan-2. Notably, he ensured thorough hot and cold testing for the Chandrayaan-3 satellite.

V NARAYANAN - Director, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre:

A specialist in liquid propulsion engines, V Narayanan led the development of the thrusters responsible for the soft landing of the Vikram lander. An alumnus of IIT Kharagpur, he boasts expertise in cryogenic engines and has left his mark on various ISRO rockets, including the pivotal Launch Vehicle Mark 3 that propelled Chandrayaan-3.

M VANITHA - Deputy Director, UR Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru:

M Vanitha served as the project director for the Chandrayaan-2 mission, distinguishing herself as a trailblazing electronics systems engineer and the first Indian woman to lead a lunar mission. Her profound knowledge gleaned from Chandrayaan-2 proved invaluable in the fabrication of Chandrayaan-3. Beyond her professional achievements, she finds solace in gardening.

VEERAMUTHUVEL P - Project Director, Chandrayaan-3:

Veeramuthuvel P, the driving force behind the Chandrayaan-3 mission, has devoted the past four years to India's third lunar venture. Holding a Masters of Technology degree from Chennai, he has been integral to both the Chandrayaan-2 and Mangalyaan missions. His deep understanding of the Vikram lander, despite its setback in 2019, has greatly informed his role.

KALPANA K - Deputy Project Director, Chandrayaan-3:

Even amidst the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic, Kalpana K steadfastly led the Chandrayaan-3 team. As an engineer dedicated to India's satellite endeavors, she has contributed significantly to both the Chandrayaan-2 and Mangalyaan missions, showcasing her unwavering commitment to the nation's space aspirations.

UNNIKRISHNAN NAIR S Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram:  He holds the helm of India's pivotal institution dedicated to rocketry research. With a background in aerospace engineering, he is at the forefront of India's endeavors to achieve human spaceflight capability. He is an alumnus of the esteemed Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and notably served as the inaugural director of the Human Space Flight Center. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding numerous crucial missions within the Gaganyaan program. Notably, the Launch Vehicle Mark 3 has achieved a flawless track record of success under his guidance. Apart from his contributions to space science, he also engages in the art of crafting short stories.

In the annals of India's space exploration journey, these remarkable individuals stand as the architects of its historic Moon missions, embodying dedication, expertise, and perseverance.

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