Chandrayaan 2 will make its highly anticipated landing on lunar south pole of Moon today. This is second mission to Moon by Indian Research Organisation (ISRO). In 2008, ISRO launched Chandrayaan 1 mission to moon successfully. India will be fourth country in world to successfully accomplish a soft landing on lunar surface, with Chandrayaan 2, but it will be first country in history of mankind to attempt a landing on lunar south pole. While we wait for this iconic moment to take place soon, let's rewind and learn some interesting trivia.

Indira Gandhi's connection to first-ever Moon landing

Apollo 11

Launched on July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 was   mission that successfully landed first men on surface of Moon. NASA astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin were first humans to reach its surface. This was one of most significant moments in history of humankind. When preparations for Apollo 11 began, NASA began to collect mementos that would be placed on surface of Moon, after it landed. se mementos were apparently kept with hope that y will be encountered by an extra-terrestrial being someday. 

Anecdote with Indira Gandhi

Neil Armstrong carried along with him a piece of wood to  from Wright Brors' 1903 Wright Flyer's left propeller and fabric of wing. Along with or mementos, Apollo 11 crew also carried along with m a lunar plaque that bore signatures of crew and n president of United States, Richard Nixon. re was also a silicon disk that was about size of US dollar coin. Inscribed in disk were congratulatory messs from 73 hes of states, including n Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. Here's here mess, as mentioned in official NASA document from landing:

"On this unique occasion when man traverses outer to set foot on Earth's nearest neighbor, Moon, I send my greetings and good wishes to brave astronauts who have launched on this great venture. I fervently hope that this event will usher in an era of peaceful endeavor for all mankind." 

silicon disk still exists on surface of moon to this date. Chandrayaan 2 will aim to mark historic feat of landing on lunar south pole. landing is expected to take place around 1:30 am IST. Catch all updates on Chandrayaan 2 mission right here. 

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