Chandrayaan-1 was India's first mission to the Moon, initiated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to explore and gather data about the lunar surface. Launched on October 22, 2008, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, the mission represented a significant step in India's space exploration ambitions. The unmanned spacecraft was equipped with 11 scientific instruments to conduct a myriad of experiments aimed at mapping the lunar surface, studying its mineral composition, and understanding its topography and atmosphere.

The PSLV rocket successfully propelled Chandrayaan-1 into orbit, enabling it to start its journey toward the Moon. After a series of intricate maneuvers, the spacecraft entered lunar orbit and began sending data back to Earth. Among its many scientific discoveries, Chandrayaan-1 made headlines when it found evidence of water molecules on the Moon's surface, a groundbreaking finding that opened up new discussions regarding the Moon's potential for supporting future crewed missions and developing resources.

The mission lasted for nearly a year, and despite its primary objective of lunar exploration, it also served to consolidate India's position as a key player in the global space community. The collaboration with various international space agencies and scientists further enriched the mission, enhancing India's reputation in space technology advancements and research. Chandrayaan-1 not only demonstrated India's capabilities in space exploration but also provided foundational knowledge for subsequent missions, including Chandrayaan-2.