In a momentous development, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) has officially approved the name ‘Statio Shiv Shakti’ for the landing site of India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission. This decision comes nearly seven months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s announcement on August 26, 2023, declaring the site to be named ‘Shiva Shakti’.
The Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature, which documents approved planetary names, confirmed the IAU’s decision on March 19, 2024. This landmark designation marks a significant milestone for India’s space exploration endeavors.
During the announcement made at the Isro Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (Istrac) in Bengaluru, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the symbolic significance of the name, highlighting its connection to India’s cultural heritage. He underscored the unity represented by ‘Shiva Shakti’, blending the masculine and feminine energies, and expressed how it resonates from the Himalayas to Kanyakumari.
Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram lander, which touched down on the Moon’s surface on August 23, 2023, has now been immortalized with a name that embodies India’s rich spiritual and scientific heritage. The name, ‘Statio Shiv Shakti’, is derived from a compound word representing both the masculine (“Shiva”) and feminine (“Shakti”) energies, reflecting India’s cultural ethos.
This naming tradition follows in the footsteps of India’s previous lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1, which saw its moon impact probe (MIP) landing on November 14, 2008. The site of Chandrayaan-1’s impact was designated as ‘Jawahar Point’ or ‘Jawahar Sthal’, serving as a testament to India’s dedication to space exploration.
Prime Minister Modi hailed the Chandrayaan-3 mission as an inspiration for the nation, emphasizing that failure is not the end but a stepping stone towards success. He described the landing as one of the most inspiring moments of the century, showcasing India’s scientific prowess and technological advancements to the world.
Isro chairman S Somanath expressed gratitude for the naming of the two lunar sites, acknowledging Prime Minister Modi’s emotional connection to the historic event. The naming of ‘Statio Shiv Shakti’ reaffirms India’s commitment to exploring new frontiers in space and furthering scientific knowledge for the betterment of humanity.
With ‘Statio Shiv Shakti’ now etched in the annals of space exploration, India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission continues to pave the way for future endeavors, embodying the spirit of innovation and discovery that defines the nation’s scientific pursuits.
