Scientists ecstatic over success of Chandrayaan-1

Bangalore, Oct 22 (UNI) The scientists community here was jubilant over the perfect launch of Chandrayaan-1 mission which has put the country in the select band of moon-faring nations.

Former ISRO Chairman K Kasturirangan, who is now the Chief of National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) here and a Rajya Sabha member, said the most-awaited moment ultimately came and the country was proud of the achievements of ISRO putting the nation in the select band of countries that have achieved planetary exploration.

''We have worked for eight long years with steadfast focus to prove India's capability in advanced technology and today we have achieved what we wanted to,'' Dr Kasturirangan said when contacted.

The next two weeks will be the most challenging for the brains behind ISRO as it would have to manoeuvere the satellite to the moon's orbit, he said adding the 21st century would see major planetary exploration missions and India would be part of this.

''We want India to be an active partner of the world community to explore what man has not so far known in our solar system,'' he said.

Chandrayaan would prove as a passport for the country to chart greater scientific cooperation with advanced countries in the world, Dr Kasturirangan, who was instrumental in launching the mission when he was the Chief of ISRO, added.

Eminent scientist U R Rao, who was equally elated over ISRO's grand success, said it was the happiest day for the nation in general and the entire scientific community in particular.

''This success will take us to a different plane and I am sure scientists in ISRO will take the country to a higher plane as far as the space missions are concerned. ISRO has begun its second wave of adventure in space and I wish it best of luck,'' he said.

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