Article Posted on : - Oct 23, 2008

Chandrayaan -1 successfully blasts off on Wednesday. PTI photo

WASHINGTON (PTI): The launch of India's maiden unmanned mission to Moon on Wednesday was described as ‘exciting’ by the United States, which has provided two instruments for the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft.

The White House took note of the launch of Chandrayaan-1, saying it was ‘very interesting’ as well as ‘encouraging’ and ‘exciting’.

Dana Perino, the White House Press Secretary, was asked to comment on whether President George W Bush was aware of the launch of Chandrayaan-1 whose payload includes that of the NASA.

“I haven't spoken to the president about it. I saw that story. It was very interesting. We noted it. It's very encouraging for India, I'm sure very exciting,” Perino said.

The US hailed the successful launch of India's unmanned mission to Moon saying New Delhi had demonstrated its technological prowess and was emerging as an ‘ever stronger space power.’ Instruments from the US and Europe are onboard the unmanned spacecraft.

Soon after the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft began its historic space odyssey, the scientists of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) were flooded with congratulatory notes and applause for their achievement that has catapulted India into an exclusive club of six moon-faring nations.

American Ambassador to India David C Mulford said the US was proud to participate in the mission as the country had provided two instruments for it.

“The US congratulates India on the successful launch. This is a proud moment in India’s history and demonstrates India's technological prowess by joining the international community in the peaceful exploration of space,” Mulford said.

“Ahead of Wednesday's launch, scientists from the US worked closely with their Indian partners to prepare the US contribution to the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, exemplifying the ideals of our bilateral partnership,” he said.