India Becomes Fourth Nation to Land on Moon, Making History at Lunar South Pole

India successfully landed its Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft near the moon's south pole, becoming the fourth country to achieve a soft lunar landing.
The lunar south pole is of high interest due to the potential presence of water ice that could support future exploration and settlement.
Russia's Luna-25 spacecraft crashed while attempting to reach the same region, giving India an opportunity to upstage them.
The low-budget Chandrayaan-3 mission advances India's space program and cements its status as an emerging space power.
Experts say India's achievement reflects the country's scientific capabilities and will have economic and strategic benefits.