Article Posted on : - Oct 22, 2008

ISRO Chairman Madhavan Nair (C) elated after the successful launch of India's first lunar spacecraft Chandrayaan-1. PTI Photo

NEW DELHI (BNS): Congratulatory messages are pouring in for the space scientists on the successful launch of Chandrayaan-1.

Vice President Hamid Ansari:

“The space scientists have made the country proud with this extraordinary achievement that expands India's scientific knowledge about the moon and demonstrates the high level of technological capabilities of the scientists.”

Former President APJ Abdul Kalam said he would keep his fingers crossed till the spacecraft reaches its lunar orbit after 15 days.

In a statement Kalam said, "launching of the mission is first step and I hope every step of the mission falls at the right place."

Defence Minister AK Antony congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists for their achievement.

Antony spoke to the ISRO Chairman Dr G Madhavan Nair over phone and told him that the country was proud of his scientists' achievement.

Describing the mission as a bold step to catapult India to a select group of nations having the capability to undertake such scientific missions of gigantic proportions, Antony also wished all success to the scientists in the next stages of the mission.

Minister of State in the PMO Prithviraj Chavan congratulated the ISRO Chairman and his team involved in the realisation and management of the unmanned mission to the moon.

He said the launch vehicle systems have performed satisfactorily.

Maharashtra Governor SC Jamir congratulated space scientists, technocrats and others on the successful launch of Chandrayaan 1, India's maiden moon mission.

"The successful placing into orbit of India's first moon spacecraft 'Chandrayaan 1' by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV C11) is a historic event in India's space programme. With this launch a new page has been opened in India's cooperation with the United States.”

Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan:

“It is an occasion of joy and pride for all in the state as the maiden moon-mission is a success," told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

It is also very happy to note that the PSLV rocket that carried the Chandrayaan mission was fabricated at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre here, Achuthanandan said.