NASA, Virgin Galactic, Chandrayaan-3: Top space moments of 2023
Year 2023 was full of historic moments etched in the space sector. From rocket launches to landing on the moon's south pole, here's a look at some of the top space moments of 2023.
NASA's 1st asteroid sample
The US space agency NASA's first asteroid sample landed in the Utah Desert on September 24. This marked NASA's first asteroid sample return mission to learn the solar system's origin and life on Earth.
Photo Credits: Instagram/@nasa
First manned mission to the space edge
Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic completed its first manned mission to the edge of space on June 29. The space venture successfully flew its first passengers- two Italian Air Force personnel.
Video Credits: Instagram/@virgingalactic
NASA's Artemis II manned mission
US space agency NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) announced the names of the four astronauts who will venture around the moon on the Artemis II mission next year. The four astronauts are Christina Koch, Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen and Reid Wisemen.
Photo Credits: Instagram/@nasaastronauts
James Webb Space Telescope's anniversary
NASA marked James Webb Space Telescope's first anniversary on July 12 with a stunning image captured by the telescope of sun-like stars being born. Webb is the largest and one of the most powerful astronomical observatories launched into space.
Photo Credits: Instagram/@nasawebb
Virgin Galactic's successful space tourism
The Virgin Galactic rocket completed its first space tourism by taking tourists to the edge of space on August 11. An 80-year-old former British Olympian Jon Goodwin was among the passengers.
Photo Credits: Instagram/@virgingalactic
ISRO's successful Chandrayaan-3 mission
For the first time, the Indian Space Research Organisation successfully landed the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on the South Pole of the moon. This was a historic feat that no other country has achieved yet.
Video Credits: Instagram/@isro.dos
Japan launches H-IIA rocket
Japan successfully launched its H-IIA rocket on September 7, carrying an X-ray telescope and a moon lander. The mission is aimed at exploring the universe and studying the celestial bodies.