How did India's Chandrayaan-3 moon mission get its names?

The names of the components of India's Chandrayaan-3 moon mission are all rooted in the ancient language of Sanskrit.

• The spacecraft is called Chandrayaan-3, which means "mooncraft" in Sanskrit.

• The lander is called Vikram, which means "valor" in Sanskrit. It is also the name of the late Vikram Sarabhai, who is considered the father of the Indian space program.

• The rover is called Pragyan, which means "wisdom" in Sanskrit.

• The liquid-fueled rocket engine that powered the spacecraft into orbit is called Vikas, which means "progress" in Sanskrit.

The use of Sanskrit names for the Chandrayaan-3 mission is a reflection of India's rich cultural heritage and its commitment to space exploration. Sanskrit is a language that has been used for centuries to express complex scientific concepts, and it is seen as a fitting language for a mission that is pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.

The use of Sanskrit names for the Chandrayaan-3 mission is also a way for India to honor its past and its future. The names Vikram and Sarabhai are both associated with the early days of the Indian space program, while the name Pragyan reflects India's ambition to become a leading player in space exploration in the years to come.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a major milestone for India's space program, and the use of Sanskrit names is a way for India to celebrate its achievements and its aspirations.

In addition to the Chandrayaan-3 mission, India has also used Sanskrit names for other space missions, such as the Mangalyaan Mars orbiter mission and the Aditya-L1 solar probe. This trend is likely to continue as India continues to expand its space exploration program.

The use of Sanskrit names for India's space missions is a way for the country to connect its past, present, and future. It is a way for India to honor its heritage and its commitment to scientific progress. It is also a way for India to assert its place on the world stage as a leading spacefaring nation.