• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been awarded the Leif Erikson Lunar Prize by the Exploration Museum in Husavik, Iceland.

• The Leif Erikson Lunar Prize is named after the iconic Norse explorer Leif Erikson.

• Since 2015, these awards have recognised individuals and organisations who have etched their names in the history of exploration.  

• The ISRO was awarded for the Chandrayaan-3 mission. This historic achievement includes the first soft-landing near the Lunar South Pole, marking India as the fourth nation globally to accomplish this feat.

• Indian Ambassador Balasubramanian Shyam received the prestigious prize on behalf of ISRO.

Leif Erikson

• Leif Erikson, a Norse explorer, is thought to be the first European to set foot on continental America, almost four centuries before the expedition of Christopher Columbus.

• Leif Erikson and his crew boldly charted new paths that would inspire adventurers for centuries to come.

• With bravery, optimism, and tireless effort, Leif Erikson embodied many of the same traits that future generations of Danes, Finns, Icelanders, Norwegians, and Swedes would weave into the fabric of America’s story.

• Americans share strong bonds with the homelands of the Vikings. Millions of Americans proudly trace their ancestry to Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

• To honour Leif Erikson and to celebrate Nordic-American heritage, the United States observes October 9 “Leif Erikson Day”.

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