I am ready for another space mission: Rakesh Sharma

Madurai, Aug 31: Indian Astronaut Rakesh Sharma said he was ready for yet another Space odyssey if given a chance.

In a chat with newspersons here yesterday, he said ''I am ready to join the space expedition once again, if given a chance.'' ''When Neil Armstrong, who is now in his seventies, had expressed his desire to go to Moon for the second time, why should I not desire for a second space mission?'' he added.

''India is achieving many laurels in space research programmes and it will be a turning point for the country if the proposed manned mission becomes a success. The ISRO's manned mission is likely to become a reality by 2014. The government is putting all the efforts in this regard,'' he further said.

The astronaut expressed hope that the Indian Lunar Mission 'Chandrayan' would fructify by 2010.

The scientists across the world were now focussing on the use of the Yogic Power to survive in the outer space for a longer period of time, Mr Sharma said, adding that the debate on yogic science was on among the space scientists.

UNI