Exploring the Meaning of Tiranga Point on the Lunar Surface

Two new locations on the Moon have been given Indian names, namely Tiranga Point and Shiv Shakti Point. These names were assigned following the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface’s South Pole, a moment of immense pride for the Indian nation. This achievement also signifies a significant advancement in the realm of space exploration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi named the spot where Chandrayaan-3 landed as Shiv Shakti Point and the spot where Chandrayaan-2 went down as Tiranga Point on 26 August.

What is Tiranga Point?

Tiranga Point, named after the tricolor flag of India, has been officially named by PM Modi at the ISTRAC headquarters in Bengaluru. The term ‘Tiranga’ is derived from the Hindi words ‘Teen’ and ‘Ranga’, which symbolize the vibrant hues of the Indian national flag. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that this place on the surface of the moon would serve as a source of inspiration and remind the nation that failure is not final and that every effort contributes to progress.

Chandrayaan-2

The Tiranga point represents the spot where Chandrayaan-2, India’s second attempt to reach the Moon, fell. The Chandrayaan-2 mission marked a significant leap in India’s space exploration journey. It was launched on 22 July 2019 from Sriharikota by Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III. It consisted of the orbiter, the Vikram Lander and the Pragyan Rover. The orbiter continues to circle the moon in a polar orbit, providing insights into the moon’s geology and composition. Its planned operational period is seven and a half years.

However, the lander, which was expected to land on the surface of the moon on September 7, 2019, lost contact with the ground station just before landing.

As the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh stated, “By naming the spot where Chandrayaan-2 left its mark as ‘Tiranga Point’, the Chief Minister has given a message to the people of the country that ‘failure can never win.'” Chandrayaan-2 has played an important role in Chandrayaan-3: in its success. It paved the way for the Chandrayaan-3 mission and helped our scientists learn from past mistakes. Thus, ISRO scientists built a fault-based design for Chandrayaan-3 and were very confident about its success.

Tiranga Point reminds the world that failure is just a stepping stone to success and India continues to overcome every obstacle with more successful space missions.