IAU Approved Name of Chandrayaan-3 Landing Site on Moon as Shiva Shakti

On March 19, the International Astronomical Union approved the name 'Shiva Shakti' for the landing site of Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander, following the success of the mission on August 26, 2023. The name is derived from a compound word in Indian mythology that represents the duality of masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti) nature.

• During the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed that the day of Vikram Lander's touchdown on the Moon (August 23) will now be celebrated as “National Space Day” in India. He also stated that the Chandrayaan-2 landing failure spot will be known as “Tiranga point”.
• At the Indian Space Research Organization's Command Centre, PM Modi explained that the name "Shiv Shakti Point" was chosen to represent the welfare of humanity, with "Shiv" signifying welfare and "Shakti" representing the strength required to achieve it. He added that the Moon's Shiv Shakti Point will serve as a symbol of unity, inspiring future generations to use science for the betterment of humanity.

About the IAU

• Established in 1919, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) endeavors to advance and protect the discipline of astronomy in its entirety. 
• This includes research, communication, education, and development through global collaboration. 
• IAU is composed of skilled astronomers across the globe who hold a Ph.D. or higher. 
• The IAU's members are organized into Divisions, Commissions, and Working Groups and are actively engaged in professional research, education, and outreach in the field of astronomy.

Chandrayaan -3 mission

• On the 14th of July 2023, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched Chandrayaan-3 from Sriharikota using a GSLV-Mark III (LVM-3) heavy-lift rocket. 
• Consisting of a lander called Vikram and a rover named Pragyan, this mission excludes an orbiter unlike its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2. The estimated budget for this mission is Rs 615 crore. 
• Vikram, the lander for Chandrayaan-3, stands at around 2 meters tall and has a mass of just over 1,700 kg. It is carrying a 26-kg lunar rover named Pragyaan which will conduct several experiments, including analyzing the mineral composition of the lunar surface using a spectrometer. The lander will attempt to land on the Moon and deploy the Rover on the 23rd of August 2023.

The mission objective of Chandrayaan -3

• ISRO has set the following objectives for Chandrayaan-3: to demonstrate a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface, to demonstrate rover roving on the moon, and to conduct in-situ scientific experiments.

Mission life of Chandrayaan -3 

• Both Vikram and Pragyan are designed to function for a period of 14 Earth days, which is equivalent to one lunar day.