India successfully launches rocket to the moon

India successfully launched a rocket headed for the moon on Monday, a week after postponing the mission because of a technical issue.

The unmanned Chandrayaan-2, carrying a lunar lander, is scheduled to land on the lunar south pole in September, according to The Associated Press.

If the mission is successful, India will become the fourth nation to land on the moon, following the United States, Russia and China.

{mosads}Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday that India’s lunar program will get a substantial boost from the project.

“Efforts such as #Chandrayaan2 will further encourage our bright youngsters towards science, top quality research and innovation,” the newly reelected leader tweeted.

“Thanks to Chandrayaan, India’s Lunar Programme will get a substantial boost. Our existing knowledge of the Moon will be significantly enhanced.”

Efforts such as #Chandrayaan2 will further encourage our bright youngsters towards science, top quality research and innovation.

Thanks to Chandrayaan, India’s Lunar Programme will get a substantial boost. Our existing knowledge of the Moon will be significantly enhanced.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 22, 2019