Indian space agency officials say they've overseen the first-ever landing of a spacecraft near the moon's south pole. They say the unmanned Chandrayaan-3 touched down Wednesday evening.

On Thursday, they shared photographs of the lunar surface taken during and after landing.

They say a moon rover has now left the spacecraft to embark on a mission in an unexplored area. Scientists say the moon's south pole could contain water in the form of ice.

India is now the fourth country to land on the moon, behind the former Soviet Union, the United States and China.

The achievement is giving people nationwide plenty of reason to celebrate.

The Chandrayaan-3 is expected to remain functional for two weeks. The rover will check for water and examine the mineral composition of the lunar surface.