This would make India part of the elite group of countries that are capable of sending commercial payloads into orbit. According to K. Kasturirangan, chief of the state-run Indian Space Research Organization, scientists overseeing the launch celebrated after they realized the launch had been a success. India has been preparing for this launch for ten years and hopes it will mark the country's entry into the competitive multibillion-dollar commercial satellite business. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee appeared on national television immediately following the launch to congratulate the personnel of the Indian Space Research Organization. The launch shows the determination and confidence of our scientists and engineers.
Today is a proud day for India.
The launch however, was not broadcast on national television, unlike a previous unsuccessful attempt on March 28, 2001. Archives - Archives of past weeks' Daily Selected News Stories. All Rights Reserved. All other copyrights remain property of their respective owners.