India and Russia eye the Lunar South Pole, but who’ll create history?

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Chandrayaan-3 comes to fruition. In that vehicle is packed not just the scientific ambitions of ISRO, but also the sentiments of the 141-crore strong populace. New Delhi’s lunar mission is all set to make a landing on the South Pole of the moon on August 23-24. Chandrayaan-3 was launched on July 14 and entered into lunar orbit on August 5. Over in Russia, the Luna-25 too has grabbed the attention with its scheduled landing to take place on August 21-23. For a few years now, scientists from NASA and other space agencies have detected frozen water in the south pole craters. This ice could potentially serve as a reservoir for fuel, oxygen, and drinking water, thereby bolstering future lunar habitation endeavours. Both the Russian Space Agency, ROSCOMS and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aim to create history by being the first ones to venture into the lunar south pole.

Chandrayaan-3 is India’s third attempt at reaching the moon and second attempt to touch the lunar south pole. For Russia however, the Luna 25 is its first mission post since 1976. ROSCOMS has said the two missions would not get in each other's way because they have different landing areas planned. «There is no danger that they interfere with each other or collide. There is enough space for everyone on the moon,» it said. Former ISRO Chief Dr K Sivan told PTI that global participation in space exploration amplifies the human spirit of curiosity and discovery. «Both missions aim to touch down at the lunar south pole. While the order of arrival won't significantly impact the mission outcomes, it does reinforce the collective commitment to exploring new frontiers,» he said. India’s satellite will attempt landing within 40