The geopolitics of Chandrayaan-3: why landing on the moon is so damn critical

The geopolitics of Chandrayaan-3: why landing on the moon is so damn critical
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Synopsis

Friday marks the launch of LVM3 carrying a moon lander. This spacecraft will be India’s second attempt to softland on the lunar surface. Here’s why such a landing would be strategically important for India back on earth.

Launch day. If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t get excited when a rocket launches into the cosmos, this must mean little. For the rest of us there are Carl Sagan’s words to relive when the engines ignite. “Exploration is in our nature. We began as wanderers, and we are wanderers still. We have lingered long enough on the shores of the cosmic ocean. We are ready at last to set sail for the stars.” But here’s the thing. Chandrayaan’s third

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