The Hindu : National : Another milestone, says Shekhawat

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Friday, May 06, 2005

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National

Another milestone, says Shekhawat

NEW DELHINEW DELHI: Parliament on Thursday commended the scientists of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota for the successful launch of the polar satellite launch vehicle carrying two satellites including the country's heaviest remote sensing satellite.

In the Rajya Sabha, Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh spoke of another milestone in India's space programme, amid thumping of desks. In the Lok Sabha, Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said this was the first time two satellites were launched simultaneously. This testified to the strength of Indian science.

"The successful launch is a major milestone in the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) plan to develop state-of-the-art infrastructure for conducting space launch operations. It would pioneer a new era of mapping,'' said Mr. Shekhawat.

"This mission is expected to strengthen further India's pre-eminent position among the handful of countries which design, launch and operate state-of-the-art remote sensing satellites. Along with all members, I take the opportunity to greet warmly the entire ISRO community and also other organisations, both public and private, which were closely associated with ISRO in the realisation of this important mission.''

The Prime Minister "shared the nation's sense of delight and pride'' and said the augmented launch capability signalled the "reaffirmative emergence of India as a major space power''.

"The nation is truly proud of the achievements of the scientists and engineers of ISRO. I am sure all will join you and me in congratulating them for this achievement.''

Mr. Chatterjee said the launch "once again demonstrated the strength of Indian science made possible by ceaseless efforts of our dedicated scientists in yet another frontier area of space technology. I am sure the House will join me in complementing the scientists on this achievement.''

The Telugu Desam Party, which attended the proceedings under protest, joined the Treasury benches and their supporting parties in expressing its approval.

Special Correspondent

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