Chandrayaan Lifts-off!

Rahul Srinivas, Oct 22, 2008 0745 hrs IST

India has successfully launched its first mission to the Moon

The Chandrayaan mission took its first tentative steps towards successful execution with a picture-perfect launch early this morning. The PSLV C-11 lifted off at 6:22 AM sharp, carrying the historic payload along. Although the launch was not clearly visible due to cloud cover, all parameters were normal from the word go.

At this moment, the PSLV has successfully injected the Chandrayaan into an elliptical orbit around Earth. From here, the probe will shift to a 'transfer orbit' and will eventually be captured by the moon's gravity field via a final thrust towards our celestial neighbour. Although the mission is far from complete, the textbook launch has boosted confidence and everyone is looking forward to a successful completion.

Chandrayaan-1's path to the moon:

Along with the scientifc instruments, the Chandrayaan also carries a symbolic Indian flag which is expected to detach from the craft and land on the moon.

At the post-launch press brief, the people behind the launch could not contain their excitement -- there were smiles and giggles all around. The scientists termed today's launch as a red letter day in the history of modern India. G Madhavan Nair, the Chairman of the ISRO quipped that "...it is a historic moment as far as India is concerned.. we have begun our journey to the moon".

The Chandrayaan will take approximately 15 days to reach its intended lunar orbit where it will remain -- continuously mapping the lunar surface and sending back valuable data. It also carries with it, as many as 11 scientific instruments provided by various other space organizations, including 6 from India alone.

Everyone waits with bated breath for the moment when the Chandrayaan launch mission reaches its final stages with its placement into the lunar orbit; a few hours from now.

USER COMMENTS

We all are proud to ISRO team. Thank you are much and god can give you success in all area.

by bhargav, patan,north gujarat, on Jan 06, 2009 03:13 PM, Report abuse Reply

i am very thankful t the ISRO scientists for launching chandrayana.

by anarghya, bangalore, on Jan 03, 2009 11:13 AM, Report abuse Reply

ite seriously somehing great for our nation,and it makes all us to be proud of.

by deepak joshi, pune, on Dec 31, 2008 11:12 AM, Report abuse Reply

It's a very big work for ISRO.thanks for all scientists. continuous of INDIAN'S success on future.JAYHIND!

by B.kaleeswaran, ilayangudi,sivaganga., on Nov 02, 2008 12:49 PM, Report abuse Reply

YES INDEED it is a feat which every Indian should be proud of.Sure comparing the cost of the mission with what other countries have spent I would say Indian space agency will collect many times more money from the world. HATS OFF TO ISRO and the government which alloted the funds. Many thanks to the scientists for this marvellous effort. Vande Maderam ! !

by Chandrasekhar, , Calgary,Alberta, on Oct 29, 2008 02:50 AM, Report abuse Reply

With the launch of Chandrayaan, India space scientists sent several key messages. For one, compared to other space-faring nations, the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO's) missions are cost-effective. Chandrayaan cost ISRO US$80 million ($120.193 million), compared to Japan's Selene mission's US$480 million, or China's Change-E1 mission that cost US$187 million. The European Space Agency's (ESA) Small Mission for Advanced Research in Technology (SMART-1) in 2003 cost US$140 million.

by MRx, mUM, on Oct 24, 2008 05:37 PM, Report abuse Reply

yes!!!!!! We have made it !!!

by Bipin Desai, Navsari, on Oct 24, 2008 06:44 AM, Report abuse Reply

When the government could spend more than Rs.70,000 crores in writing off loans, Rs.400 crores is not a big amount. Just imagine how much more India could have achieved, if the Rs.70,000 crores was directed towards science and research instead of votes and politics

by Vijay Rao, Mumbai, on Oct 23, 2008 02:51 PM, Report abuse Reply

a proud moment for allindians indeed.wishing ISRO all SUCCESSS in its future missions too,

by k g r nair, kalpakkam, on Oct 22, 2008 05:17 PM, Report abuse Reply

Conrats ISRO on the successful lauch of Chandrayan 1. In 15 days time entire india will be on the moon. Thanks for this great feeling. Withe the grand success of chandrayan 1 the entire nation looks eagerly for chandrayan-2. Thanks ISRO..ISRO Rocks..

by Vijay, Coimbatore, on Oct 22, 2008 05:17 PM, Report abuse Reply

I FEEL PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN. MOST WILL CRITICISE THIS EFFORT AS A COPYCAT MOVE, LITTLE REALISING THAT TESTS THAT WILL BE PERFORMED BY CHANDRAYAAN HAVE NEVER BEEN PERFORMED BEFORE AND AT SUCH A LOW COST.

by Amit Kumar Bose, Kolkata, on Oct 22, 2008 04:58 PM, Report abuse Reply

i am very happy to see success of chandrayan and becuase of like this we are coming to powerfull contry in globel issue. some people still critisize but its does not matter because i bilive that their is nothing without critize and of person ask this money to help poor people but did you know we had more money then require but if its use correct by politician poverty can reduce imidiatly. one again congrates to all ISRO group and indian.

by khalil Dayanji, Saudi Arabia, on Oct 22, 2008 04:32 PM, Report abuse Reply

This is most proudable day to every indian presented by our loving isro team. I salute the ISRO Team, for all indians. A special salute and congrates to Dr. G Madhavan Nair and his colleuges

by shaji, Thrissur, Kerala, on Oct 22, 2008 03:32 PM, Report abuse Reply

Of course it is a great acheivement for India. But we should keep in mind that much grater acheivement of sending men to Moon were acheived by U.S.A around 30 years ago when technology devoloped were very very limited.

by S.Jayakumar, Trivandrum, on Oct 22, 2008 09:15 AM, Report abuse Reply

Cograts to UPA Govt and ISRO tteam for the successful launch. PROUD TO BE INDIAN

by Jamaludeen, Calicut, on Oct 22, 2008 10:10 AM, Report abuse Reply

The program was initiated in 2003 by PM-Vajpayee during BJP, that has come to a full fruition. We have seen the result of BJP even long after. Go on buddy, congratulate UPA, there is a mission to pull Indians towards the center of the earth. No doubt you congratulate them. Stick on UPA!

by Sunil, Sydney, on Oct 22, 2008 11:20 AM, Report abuse

LOL dude!!

by Pravin, Hyderabad, on Oct 22, 2008 02:47 PM, Report abuse

EVEN THOUGH THE LAUNCH HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL, I REITERATE THAT THIS PROJECT WAS NOT AT ALL NECESSARY, SINCE THE TOTAL COST OF THE PROJECT WHICH IS AROUND 400 CRORE, COULD HAVE HELPED MANY VILLAGES MEET BASIC REQUIREMENTS LIKE ELECTRICTY AND WATER. POINT TO BE NOTED IS INDIA IS STILL ONE OF THE LEADING COUNTRIES IN GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX.

by Raj, Chennai, on Oct 22, 2008 10:07 AM, Report abuse Reply

No doubt, water and food are essential and poverty needs to be tackled. But how about technology off-shoot and benefit to Agriculture such as; Remote sensing, water and mineral mapping exploration, land and water-way management....etc. This mission will bring on enormous benefits. Just as radio astronomical satellite have contributed modern day agile radio-chip that we use in mobile phones every day. Don't you wanna advance and reap benefits?

by Sunil, Sydney, on Oct 22, 2008 11:27 AM, Report abuse

Well Friend I personally dont feel whatever you said is totally correct. There is work needed to be done onthe point raised by you. And it is well known to all Indians. But let me tell you my friend that this investmen is not et all a waste of money. The money involved will be easily covered by the profits made by this initialtion. as you might have heard that many other countries are involved. So dont worry about the Money. Its a glorious day and we all should have a hi-5 on that. infact we should have initiated a mission like this ages back. But we indians were deep rooted in satellite's used in information bypassing and telecommunication.Bcuz those were the fields in which Indian scientists have digg in their roots.. Anywys finally we are on the right track. thats all i feel...may be your opinion varies.....

by Abhishek, Pune, on Oct 22, 2008 11:37 AM, Report abuse

I agree & to the reply by Abhishek, I have to say is this: The Launch no doubt is historical, but Aiming for the Moon will not serve any additional purpose. We already have the capabilities of Launching satellites in Geosynchronous orbit & are doing so successfully for other nations as well thus earning quite a lot of revenue. As for the reply from Sunil Sydney I have to say the following: We are already advancing in the mentioned fields. We could have advanced further, by Piggy-Backing our experiments on Launch Vehicles meant for other nations. Thus carrying out our experiments Free of Cost. We are not a representation in the International Space Station Program & this is not going to help at all. A shear waste of Money at this Juncture when India (as well as other nations) are reeling under economic duress. Don't tell me the signs of imminent Economic down-slide were not evident back then. Bottom-Line: When a foreign Nation want to out-source their launch using our Launchers, use their money to fit in our probes etc. DO NOT invest India's money for such endeavors. Instead pump in this money to make India more self-reliant & independent in the true sense.

by Alap, Mumbai, on Oct 22, 2008 12:12 PM, Report abuse

Are you living in 1980? Projects like these help all of us whether poor or Rich? Do you even know why this mission was launched? The tests onboard will look for helium as a fuel source that is available plenty on moon and should last us a few centuries if it is successful. This will benefit everyone and make our country stronger and self-reliant! What the hell are you talking about?? Educate yourself before you comment!

by Anand, B'lore, on Oct 22, 2008 12:15 PM, Report abuse

An oh, this proves can ISRO is advanced and successful. Which can do launches for other countries that will bring revenue to make our country rich which will indirectly help eliminate poverty. Such launches also puts satellites in space that can help poor in remote areas access TV and information thereby educating people.

by Anand, B'lore, on Oct 22, 2008 12:26 PM, Report abuse

I will just add to one of my earlier comments to a related article.. To Alap: This mission was conceived ages before the current economic crisis. It would be a blunder to stop the mission mid-way and result in further economic loss. Additionally, this is not just about "finding water on the moon" and related chest thumping. It is more about learning the topography of the moon, the composition and various other scientific projects and for the study of Helium3 which is said to be foud in plenty on the Moon. Besides, its not just India. The PSLV will be piggybacking other microsatellites from foreign countries making this a truly global effort. India did not earn any revenue in whilst doing so -- thereby highlighting the scientific intent. As for WHY spending these ridiculous amounts on missions like this, it is pertinent to note that it is the same WHY that has enabled us to reap the fruits of the scientific revolution that we have seen over the past century. We have also managed to do this at a fraction of the cost incurred by others (including China), giving a lesson or two regarding space economics to these countries. In fact the entire mission did not cost as much as a single Boeing 737-800 aircraft -- to put things into perspective! If someone is averse to all things research, they might as well go back to the stone age where it was all about living, eating and procreating.Yes, there are hungry people here, there are other issues of national importance to be taken care of but does that mean we should stop the wheels of progress? At least, the ISRO is one government organisation that we can proudly claim to be working very well at ths moment. These same missions have sent our INSAT series of satellites which have helped the country economically in the past. I would go to the extent of saying that satellite mapping has helped farmers as well -- albeit indirectly. As far as piggybacking Indias research items on foreig satellites are concerned, do you really think they will do it for free? They MAY.. and that is a big MAY. The Space is now a business with major financial interests and India has done an exemplary thing by not charging a penny for taking the foreign probes on-board.

by Rahul Srinivas, Mumbai, on Oct 22, 2008 12:33 PM, Report abuse

Well said! Long term, this will generate revenue. This is like the IT revolution that spurned the growth. Had we not invested in engineering colleges to generate technical resources we'd not be where we are. So space is the next step for better medicine, education, revenue, self sustainability.

by Anand, Bangalore, on Oct 22, 2008 12:43 PM, Report abuse

NUTS like should be kicked where it hurts the most. You will never have a positive attitude to anything. Always will see the wrong side of things. First understand what this mission is all about and them start crapping with you blabber mouth. Did u know that India has launched this mission with 1/4 th the cost from similar missions of other countries. If we find helium on the moons surface, it will be our future source of fuel. The rocket also carries other equipment from nasa which gives us free telemetry tracking of the rocket which otherwise wld have cost us Rs.25000 per hour. The technology used by our space mission is benefitting India in lot of other fields like weather tracking, remote sensing etc which helps in ways beyond your thinking. Yes 400 cr is good amt of money, but i need to ask you one thing, when will people in india realise that it is not at all feasible to beg to the govt for each and everything. Y cant we be self reliant and find solutions to our problems. If we have this attitude, then i dont think we will ever need to discuss such points. Stop begging and start living.

by jack, mumbai, on Oct 22, 2008 12:57 PM, Report abuse

Well by Now Mr Alap you must have understood the various aspects of the mission.thanks for all you guys who have shared so great information which i wasnt familiar. And so we have yet another reason to smile....KUDDOS INDIA as well As ISRO...Great work...

by Abhishek, pune, on Oct 22, 2008 02:06 PM, Report abuse

I loved the moment it lifted off... :-) ... Was a beauty... :-) ... Need i say anything more... :-) .... I am just happy being born in this time and age.... :-) ... We may not yet be among the stars. But we are surely going to go get the moon... :-) ......

by Anant Bhushan, Bangalore, on Oct 22, 2008 01:59 PM, Report abuse Reply

by akbar, coimbatore, on Oct 22, 2008 01:26 PM, Report abuse Reply

One small step for India and a giant step for mankind! Proud to be an Indian! Congratulations to the dedicated team at ISRO! You make us all strong and patriotic!

by Anand, B'lore, on Oct 22, 2008 12:12 PM, Report abuse Reply

Many Congratulations to our scientists and ISRO for the successful mission . Proud to be indian

by chandamama, bangalore, on Oct 22, 2008 11:51 AM, Report abuse Reply

Now, India can stake to have a say in Moon's mineral resources. Proud to be an Indian.

by Hirendrasinhji , Ahmedabad, on Oct 22, 2008 11:35 AM, Report abuse Reply

there is no words to express this excitement.we are in very happy mood,congrtulatins to our all scintists

by durga rao palad, trichy, on Oct 22, 2008 11:26 AM, Report abuse Reply

we feel very proud as an indian.congratualations to our ISRO.urs hard work gave good results.

by durga rao palad, trichy, on Oct 22, 2008 11:22 AM, Report abuse Reply

Kudos to ISRO and hearty wishes to Mr. Nair. They have made all Indians proud. Hoping for success in all future Chandrayaan ventures and hoping that India could place a man on the moon in the near future.

by Praveen Samanta, Bangalore, on Oct 22, 2008 11:07 AM, Report abuse Reply

Congratulations to all the ISRO team and all those who made our country's first Chandrayaan possible. It makes me prouder being away from India. -KK

by Anonymous, FREMONT, on Oct 22, 2008 10:54 AM, Report abuse Reply

many many congratulation to allll INDIANS spl .our great scientist & chief mr nayyar.it shows wat ever is going on either bomb blast or any thing we are quite capable to do any thing which other country can do.

by deepa jha, new delhi, on Oct 22, 2008 10:39 AM, Report abuse Reply

It is one of the memorable day in Indian Space History. It Will lift India' image in the World. I am proud of to be an Indian.

by Praveen Kumar, New Delhi, on Oct 22, 2008 10:35 AM, Report abuse Reply

Congratulations to our Scientist they made us proud to be an Indian. If I am not wrong India joined elite group of countries for launching it moon mission on orbit.

by Rajesh Malvekar, Karwar, on Oct 22, 2008 10:32 AM, Report abuse Reply

Congratulations fellow Indians... Good show ISRO. Mera Bharat Mahan.

by Mukul Burman, Muscat, Oman, on Oct 22, 2008 10:32 AM, Report abuse Reply

My Congratulations are reserved till the moment the Indian Flag gets planted onto the Lunar Soil....Jai Hind

by Roguegene, Mumbai, on Oct 22, 2008 10:20 AM, Report abuse Reply

Proud to be indian

by Dutta, Veraval, on Oct 22, 2008 09:58 AM, Report abuse Reply

Excellent work done by real engineers of this country.These engineers deserve a better recognition in terms of salary and benefits.

by R.Suresh, Bangalore, on Oct 22, 2008 09:48 AM, Report abuse Reply

it's leading india

by g.jaffer basha, kuppam, on Oct 22, 2008 09:41 AM, Report abuse Reply

Congratulations ! to ISRO Team. You have added one more golden feather to Indian heritage.

by Fr Antony Perin, Thrissur, on Oct 22, 2008 09:24 AM, Report abuse Reply

excellent

by MJS, TPT, on Oct 22, 2008 09:23 AM, Report abuse Reply

Cograts to isro team for the successful launch in particular to our chairman Dr madhanvan nair

by bvn.sagar, sullurupeta, on Oct 22, 2008 09:09 AM, Report abuse Reply

Great achievment. Thank ZYou ISRO for putting India in the technical leader position

by Dr. Vishal, Dombivli, on Oct 22, 2008 08:57 AM, Report abuse Reply

Congrates ISRO team. I am proud of you. With such success we will definitely complete Dr.Abdul Kalam's & all indian's dream "India 2020". Keep it up.

by ashwini, pune, on Oct 22, 2008 08:53 AM, Report abuse Reply

Proud to be INDIAN , SCIENCE Growth and achievments are in incrediable pace Please CHEER up on behalf of allcoutrypeople for more golden goals.

by RAGHAVENDRA, BANGLORE, on Oct 22, 2008 08:48 AM, Report abuse Reply

congrats ISRO!!! Well Begun is Half Done! no words to describe the great feelings!!!

by Shravan Kumar, Chennai, on Oct 22, 2008 08:47 AM, Report abuse Reply

I always proud to be INDIAN , i salute to all ISRO members.

by Akshay, Delhi, on Oct 22, 2008 08:45 AM, Report abuse Reply

Way to go ISRO. You made us PROUD.

by Srinivas, Hyderabad, on Oct 22, 2008 08:42 AM, Report abuse Reply

WE ARE PROUD OF YOU ISRO! YOU HAVE DONE PRIDE TO INDIA AND INDIANS!! Kudos to you!!

by Venkatesh Prabh, Bangalore, on Oct 22, 2008 08:39 AM, Report abuse Reply

Chalo India Chalo..................reach out for the stars now.............

by Mallikarjun, Hyderabad, on Oct 22, 2008 08:37 AM, Report abuse Reply

its a great moment....

by Bhagu, Athavanad, on Oct 22, 2008 08:35 AM, Report abuse Reply

Congratulations. India has done us proud once again - especially at a time when the West is in a financial crunch. There couldn't have been a better timing, and it makes me happy that my investments back home are stable and ever rising. God Bless India.

by Mridul Baroya, Fukuoka, Japan, on Oct 22, 2008 08:34 AM, Report abuse Reply

hats off to ISRO people

by dinesh, chennai, on Oct 22, 2008 08:34 AM, Report abuse Reply

It's real feel good factor & real india shining. We all proud of it.

by Varun Newalkar, Indore, on Oct 22, 2008 08:24 AM, Report abuse Reply

It makes me a proud India, where I was born. Got all my education in India at IIT Kharagpur and worked in India till George Fernandez kicked out the companies I was working for.

by Ashok Pramanik, San Francisco, on Oct 22, 2008 08:19 AM, Report abuse Reply

Salute to the scientists who despite allured by NASA, still worked for ISRO and accomplished this task. JAI HIND ....

by Amit, Patna, on Oct 22, 2008 08:16 AM, Report abuse Reply

Cheers for ISRO & India. Keep it up my countrymen !

by Jasraj Sangani, Mumbai, on Oct 22, 2008 08:09 AM, Report abuse Reply