Manmohan Singh congratulates ISRO

Sriharikota, Sep 9: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today congratulated scientists and engineers of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for the successful launch of an Indian rocket carrying two foreign satellites that became its 100th space mission. "I'm delighted to witness the launch of PSLV-C21 carrying two foreign satellites. On behalf of all Indians, I congratulate the space fraternity," he said after the launch of ISRO's 100th space mission here. He said the country had overcome immense odds and was proud of its space scientists for setting up world-class facilities. He said he nurtured no doubt that ISRO would achieve greater heights. Exactly at 9.51 a.m., the rocket - Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C21 (PSLV-C21), standing around 44 metres tall and weighing around 230 tonne, with a one way ticket - hurtled towards the skies ferrying the two foreign satellites - SPOT 6, a French earth observation satellite weighing 712 kg and 15 kg micro satellite Proiteres of Japan. (IANS)