PSLV-C21: PM Congratulates ISRO

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Sunday, congratulated scientists for the successful launch of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle - C21 from Satish Space Centre at Sriharikota.

"I am delighted at having witnessed today's launch of India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle ? C21, carrying two foreign satellites. On behalf of all fellow Indians, I warmly congratulate the Department of Space and all members of the Indian Space Research Organisation fraternity for this spectacular success. As ISRO's 100th space mission, today's launch is a milestone in our nation's space capabilities," the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister also congratulated France's EADS Astrium and Japan's Osaka Institute of Technology for the successful launch of their satellites.

"The launch of these satellites on board an Indian launch vehicle is testimony to the commercial competitiveness of the Indian space industry, and is a tribute to Indian innovation and ingenuity," he said.

The Prime Minister was among those who witnessed the majestic rocket lift-off from the Satish Space Centre in Sriharikota. It was ISRO's 100th space mission which started the journey in 1975, with the launch of its first satellite Aryabhatta.

The PSLV-C21, whose 51-hour countdown started on Friday at 6.51am, lifted off at 9.53am on Sunday, and injected the first satellite French SPOT-6 into an orbit of a 655km altitude after 17 minutes and 49 seconds. A few moments later, the second satellite, the Japenese Proiteres, was put in orbit. The scientists cheered and shook hands as the mission was pronounced a success.

It was PSLV's 21st consecutively successful flight, and PSLV-C21 was India's 38th satellite launch vehicle to lift off from Sriharikota. (INN)