ISRO achieves breakthrough, successfully recovers SRE-1

Chennai, Jan 22 (UNI) The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), today achieved yet another breakthrough as it successfuly recovered the Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE-1), hurtled into the space by PSLV-C7 on January 10 to develop re-usable launch vehicles.

As scheduled, the recoverable satellite splashed down in the Bay of Bengal about 140 km east of Sriharikota at 0944 hrs at the pre-determined location, much to the jubilation of ISRO scientists.

A galaxy of scientists led by ISRO Chief G Madhavan Nair, who gathered at Sriharikota, monitoring the recovery operation, broke into applause as the 555 kg spacecraft made a gentle splash down with the support of three parachutes.

The Indian Coast Guard, which was assigned the task of recovering the satellite, swung into action and successfuly completed the teditious task, within couple of hours after it touched down.

Assisted by ISRO scientists and engineers, onboard Coast Guard's vessel ''Sarang,'' divers recovered the satellite and pulled it safely onboard the vessel. ''It is being brought to Ennore Port, from there it would be taken to Sriharikota this evening,'' ISRO sources said.

More UNI