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Chandrayaan 2 Illuminates Historic Lunar Landing Sites
Recent images from the Indian Space Research Organisation’s moon orbiter, Chandrayaan 2, provide a breathtaking view of the Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 landing sites over half a century after their historic missions.
Captured in April 2021, these photos were recently shared on Curiosity’s X page, a platform dedicated to space exploration insights. The release sparked interest on social media platforms, as viewers marveled at the enduring legacy of the Apollo missions.
The Proof is in the Photos
“Image of Apollo 11 and 12 taken by India’s Moon orbiter. Disapproving Moon landing deniers,” Curiosity remarked alongside the stunning overhead images that reveal the remaining remnants of the lunar modules on the moon’s rugged surface.
The Apollo 11 mission, which landed on the moon on July 20, 1969, marked a historical milestone, as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to set foot on another celestial body.
The Spacecraft and Their Historic Roles
Astronaut Michael Collins, the third member of the Apollo 11 crew, maintained orbit in the command module while his colleagues explored the lunar landscape. The lunar module, known as Eagle, successfully returned to lunar orbit after its mission and was later left behind as Collins flew back with Armstrong and Aldrin.
Just months after Apollo 11, Apollo 12 launched as NASA’s second crewed mission to the moon on November 19, 1969. Astronauts Charles “Pete” Conrad and Alan Bean followed in the footsteps of Armstrong and Aldrin, becoming the third and fourth men to walk on the lunar surface, respectively.
The End of an Era
The Apollo program continued until December 1972, with its final mission resulting in astronaut Eugene Cernan being the last person to walk on the moon. This era of lunar exploration remains a pivotal chapter in human history, showcasing remarkable advancements in space travel.
Chandrayaan-2: A Modern Moon Mission
Launched on July 22, 2019, Chandrayaan-2 coincided with the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11. Two years later, it achieved a significant milestone by capturing these evocative images of Apollo’s historic landers.
Furthermore, India bolstered its lunar exploration efforts with the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3 last year, which made headlines by being the first mission to achieve a soft landing near the moon’s south pole.
The Legacy of Lunar Exploration
These captivating images from Chandrayaan 2 not only celebrate the achievements of the Apollo missions but also highlight the ongoing quest for knowledge about our solar system. Each photo serves as a testament to human ingenuity and the international collaboration that continues to propel space exploration forward.
As we look back at the monumental achievements of the past, the enduring relevance of these missions grows stronger, paving the way for future discoveries in lunar science.
