Product details

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Abstract

At 6.04 pm on August 23, 2023, India achieved the unique and enviable distinction of becoming the first nation to land a spacecraft close to the moon's south pole. This achievement signalled the successful conclusion of a major endeavour taken up by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). 'India is on the Moon', exulted S Somanath, ISRO's Chairman, amidst resounding cheers at ISRO's satellite tracking center near Bengaluru in South India. ISRO had attempted a lunar landing earlier in 2019. At that time, everything seemed to have gone perfectly well almost right up to the very end. However, the lander unexpectedly crashed on the moon's surface after having gone out of communication and control. By succeeding in its second attempt in 2023, ISRO not only showcased to the world its capability in space technology, but also demonstrated the organization's ability to bounce back from failure. What were the factors that enabled this? What were the managerial lessons that ISRO could replicate in future projects, that other relevant organizations could follow as well?

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education courses.

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 2019-2023.

Geographical setting

Region:
Asia
Country:
India

Featured company

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
Employees:
10000+
Turnover:
INR 120,000 million
Type:
Government agency
Industry:
Aerospace & defense
Other keywords:
Indian Space Research Organization; Aerospace; Space mission

Featured protagonist

  • S Somanath (male), Chairman

About

Abstract

At 6.04 pm on August 23, 2023, India achieved the unique and enviable distinction of becoming the first nation to land a spacecraft close to the moon's south pole. This achievement signalled the successful conclusion of a major endeavour taken up by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). 'India is on the Moon', exulted S Somanath, ISRO's Chairman, amidst resounding cheers at ISRO's satellite tracking center near Bengaluru in South India. ISRO had attempted a lunar landing earlier in 2019. At that time, everything seemed to have gone perfectly well almost right up to the very end. However, the lander unexpectedly crashed on the moon's surface after having gone out of communication and control. By succeeding in its second attempt in 2023, ISRO not only showcased to the world its capability in space technology, but also demonstrated the organization's ability to bounce back from failure. What were the factors that enabled this? What were the managerial lessons that ISRO could replicate in future projects, that other relevant organizations could follow as well?

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education courses.

Settings

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 2019-2023.

Geographical setting

Region:
Asia
Country:
India

Featured company

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
Employees:
10000+
Turnover:
INR 120,000 million
Type:
Government agency
Industry:
Aerospace & defense
Other keywords:
Indian Space Research Organization; Aerospace; Space mission

Featured protagonist

  • S Somanath (male), Chairman

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