National Geographic has announced that Chandrayaan 3’s soft landing on the moon will be live-streamed across National Geographic Channel and Disney+ Hotstar beginning at 4 PM on August 23, 2023, i.e., hours before Vikram’s descent on the lunar surface, which is expected to begin around 5:45 PM IST.
It will be hosted by Gaurav Kapoor and leading space experts, and the show will take viewers on a captivating journey through time and space, capturing the countdown to the final moments as India creates history.
The live show will provide exclusive insights from eminent personalities such as astronauts Sunita Williams, and Rakesh Sharma, and S. Somanath, Chairman of ISRO about the mission’s significance for India and the future of space exploration.
Srijan Pal Singh, CEO and Co-Founder of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Centre; Chris Hadfield, Former Commander Of The International Space Station and Ann Druyan, Creative Director of NASA’s Voyager Interstellar Message and Emmy-winning Writer, will count down to the final moments as India creates history while shedding light on the journey to the moon.
With futuristic AR VR graphics and interesting facts and trivia, the show will decode the basics of the rocket science and tech behind this mission. It will also feature informative short films on Vikram Sarabhai and his discovery of Thumba, Satish Dhawan as a visionary leader of ISRO, and an inspiring AV on Dr. Kalam.
The live simulcast across National Geographic Channel and Disney + Hotstar is aimed to reach a larger, attentive audience cheering for India to make a successful landing. You can also watch the landing on ISRO channels.
National Geographic has released a special anthem to wish Chandrayaan 3 a successful soft landing and salute the ingenious minds at ISRO.
Gaurav Banerjee, Head Content, Disney+ Hotstar & HSM Entertainment Network, Disney Star, said:
At National Geographic, we pride ourselves on presenting authentic and trustworthy narratives, which establishes us as a pioneer in the realm of science and exploration. With our rich legacy of spectacular storytelling, we are committed to bringing best-in-class immersive experiences that will inspire our viewers and foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the world around them. With futuristic 3D graphics, uncharted access to the voices of experts from India and abroad, and short informative films, we want to unite Indians across the globe and take them on a memorable journey to #countdowntohistory together.
Rakesh Sharma, First Indian in Space, said:
In the last 40 years, despite limited resources, ISRO has had a spectacular journey, the programs we have conducted over the years have surprised the world. Space explorations do have their ups and downs, but we’ve remained focused in our approach, and knowing the way ISRO functions, I can proudly say that Chandrayaan 3 will have a safe landing. I look forward to a successful Moon landing on 23rd August.