India’s landmark lunar mission Indian Space Research Organisation Chandrayaan-3 has received the prestigious 2026 Goddard Astronautics Award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics during a ceremony held in Washington DC.

The award was presented at the AIAA ASCEND 2026 Conference on May 21, recognising Chandrayaan-3’s historic achievements in lunar exploration and space science.

Chandrayaan-3 made history at the Moon’s south pole

On August 23, 2023, Chandrayaan-3 became the first spacecraft in history to successfully achieve a soft landing near the Moon’s south pole — a region considered scientifically important and previously unexplored at the surface level.

The mission marked a major milestone for India’s space programme and positioned the country among the world’s leading space exploration nations.

Scientists say the mission collected valuable data that could support future human missions to the Moon, while also identifying important chemical elements in the lunar south polar soil that may one day help sustain long-term lunar operations and manufacturing activities.

Award accepted on behalf of ISRO in Washington

India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, accepted the award on behalf of ISRO during the ceremony.

In his address, Ambassador Kwatra highlighted India’s long-term ambitions under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Space Vision 2047 initiative, which outlines plans for deep-space exploration, human spaceflight missions, and expansion of India’s commercial space sector.

He also emphasised the growing collaboration between India and the United States in science, research, and space exploration.

One of the highest honours in astronautics

The Goddard Astronautics Award is regarded as one of the most respected recognitions in the global space industry.

Presented by AIAA, the award honours individuals or teams for outstanding achievements in astronautics and space exploration.

The award commemorates pioneering American rocket scientist Robert H. Goddard, whose early work in liquid-fuel rocket technology helped lay the foundation for modern spaceflight.

Originally introduced as the Goddard Award, the honour was expanded and renamed in 1975 to recognise broader contributions to astronautics and advanced space engineering.

The recognition further strengthens India’s growing reputation as a major force in global space exploration and technological innovation.

Reported by Gold 101.3 FM, UAE’s No.1 Malayalam radio station.