Maldives hails launch of Indian moon mission

The Maldives government on Wednesday extended congratulations to neighbouring India on the successful launch of its moon mission Chandrayaan-2.

Chandrayaan-2, which means “moon vehicle” in Sanskrit, is the second lunar exploration mission developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation.

“India’s endeavours into space stands as a beacon of hope and will build new momentum for further exploration of space, and promote interest among our youth in continuing a legacy of space exploration in the future,” the Maldives foreign ministry said in a press statement.

“Congratulations to the great scientists at @irso, Prime Minister @narendramodi and the people of India for the successful launch of the #Chandrayaan2. Reaching for the moon and achieving it is no small scientific feat. BRAVO!” Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid tweeted.

“India’s prowess in satellite and space technology also benefits our close neighbours,” the Indian Embassy in Malé replied to the foreign minister’s tweet.

After the successful launch on Monday, Chandrayaan-2 is currently in the Earth’s orbit. According to ISRO, Chandrayaan-2’s lander Vikram will touch down near the South Pole of the moon on September 7, making it the first space mission to land on the south polar region. 

The former Soviet Union, United States and China are the only countries to have landed a spacecraft on the moon. If the Chandrayaan-2 mission is successful, India will become the fourth country to make a soft landing on the moon’s surface.