A Lesson in Perseverance: Chandrayaan’s Odyssey and Resilience

September 6, 2019, forever etched in memory as the day the world held its breath while ISRO's control room buzzed with anticipation. Chandrayaan 2, a beacon of India's ascent in the global space race, stood on the cusp of making history. Having embarked on its 45-day odyssey on July 22, 2019, it was a mission poised to redefine our nation's prowess in space technology – a realm dominated by a select few privileged nations.

As the seconds ticked away, the scientists' faces in the control room echoed our collective heartbeat. Applause and cheers punctuated every milestone crossed. 3,84,398 kilometers, nearly the span of Earth to Moon, had been conquered. A mere 2 kilometers remained for the lander Vikram to touch the lunar surface. Then, almost abruptly, the narrative changed. Television advertisements lengthened, and Twitter's fervor turned into uneasy chaos and noise. In those heart-wrenching moments, the truth finally emerged – Vikram had met with a tragic end.

The mission had faltered.

In our relentless pursuit of success, setbacks emerge, often with an unforgiving sting. Chandrayaan 2's trajectory, spanning vast distances, mirrors the professional journey we undertake. Just as its course was almost perfectly charted, the mission met an unexpected twist in the final 2 kilometers. Such is the dichotomy of progress – triumph and challenge, separated by a fine line.

For four years, ISRO maintained a resolute silence about the mission's failure. It wasn't until this year that they disclosed the intricate tale of that fateful day during a conference. Let's highlight 2 intrinsic blunders chronicled in a simplified version.

ATTITUDE: This is a term from space science and not about the manner, behavior or demeanor that we understand. Vikram's algorithms for thrust, speed, and velocity were inadequate for the rapid changes that transpired in those last moments. Swift alterations in the lunar spacecraft's environment exceeded its capacity to adapt.

Accumulation of Errors: The descent and eventual crash occurred in the last 2 kilometers, but the errors leading to this point had silently compounded throughout the voyage. The culmination of those tiny deviations manifested at the eleventh hour.

Parallel to this cosmic endeavor, our professional lives echo this symphony of resilience and progression.

From the project's inception in 2008 to its launch in 2019, ISRO's teams invested over a decade in preparation. Their audacious goal to explore the lunar south pole captivated the world. When Vikram went down that day, the failure cast a shadow but it failed to dim their spirit. Defeat eluded them; instead, the setback metamorphosed into a stepping stone, paving the path for Chandrayaan 3.

In the corporate realm, the echo is stark. Setbacks frequent our path in the form of obstructed projects, stunted initiatives, distant goals. Yet, adversity's true test lies in our response:

Four learnings from ISRO’s team that stood out for me drawing parallels that we see in our corporate life -

Resilience: ISRO's resilience embodies the spirit to rebound from failure. Adapt, learn, and emerge fortified.

Preparation: Chandrayaan 3 illustrates that setbacks don't warrant surrender, but rather signal preparation. Refine strategies, hone skills.

Collaboration: Success thrives on collective endeavor. Like ISRO's teams, seek guidance from mentors, support from peers.

Vision: Unwavering in their vision, ISRO persists. Similarly, let purpose guide you through challenges, toward distant aspirations.

Tomorrow, on August 23rd, Chandrayaan 3 is poised to touch down. As ISRO's pursuit endures, let's embody their spirit. Setbacks catalyze growth; Challenges and Failures shape us.? Let us Embrace, Learn and Evolve.

Here's to the dedicated scientists, engineers, and technicians behind this mission. Your determination is a beacon of inspiration. Best of luck!

I am Satyen Kishan, CRO at Cheggout , an innovative Indian startup that is changing the way banks and advertisers connect with customers.