Hamid, Antony congratulate Chandrayaan scientists

New Delhi, Oct 22 (UNI) Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and Defence Minister A K Antony today congratulated G Madhavan Nair and his team at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the successful launch of the first Indian mission to the Moon, 'Chandrayaan I'.

In a message to Mr Nair, the Vice-President said the space scientists had made the country proud with this extraordinary achievement that expands the scientific knowledge about the Moon and demonstrates the high level of technological capabilities of the country's scientists.

''I congratulate our space scientists and all those associated with this successful mission to the Moon for this splendid achievement,'' said Mr Ansari.

Mr Antony spoke to the Chairman of ISRO over phone and said the country was proud of the achievements of his scientists.

The Defence Minister described the mission as a bold step to catapult India to the select group of nations having the capability to undertake such scientific missions of gigantic nature.

Mr Antony wished all success to the scientists for the next stages of the mission.

UNI NAZ SW SP CS1240