The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been awarded the prestigious 2023 Leif Erikson Lunar Prize by Iceland’s Exploration Museum in Husavik, acknowledging the success of India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission.
The accolade specifically celebrates the remarkable achievement of the first soft-landing near the lunar south pole and recognizes “ISRO’s indomitable spirit in advancing lunar exploration and contributing to understanding celestial mysteries,” as stated by the Embassy of India in Reykjavik.
ISRO Chairman S Somanath expressed gratitude through a video message, acknowledging the significance of the award. The Leif Erikson Award, an annual prize established in 2015 by the Exploration Museum, is named after Norse explorer Leif Erikson, credited as the first European to set foot on continental America, predating Christopher Columbus by almost four centuries.
Ambassador B Shyam received the award on behalf of ISRO during a formal ceremony. Chandrayaan-3, India’s third lunar mission and the second attempt at a soft landing, successfully placed the Vikram lander on the lunar surface, accompanied by the deployment of the robotic rover, Pragyaan.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar also extended congratulations to ISRO, stating, “Congratulations @isro for the 2023 Leif Erikson Lunar Prize. Chandrayaan brings more laurels to the nation.”
