Posted on 10/21/2008 7:02:24 PM PDT by libh8er
The unmanned Chandrayaan 1 spacecraft blasted off smoothly from a launch pad in southern Andhra Pradesh to embark on a two-year mission of exploration. The robotic probe will orbit the Moon, compiling a 3-D atlas of the lunar surface and mapping the distribution of elements and minerals. The launch is regarded as a major step for India as it seeks to keep pace with other space-faring nations in Asia. It was greeted with applause by scientists gathered at the site. The BBC's Sanjoy Majumder in Delhi says there has been a lot of excitement about the event, which was broadcast live on national TV. Competitive mission An Indian-built launcher carrying the one-and-a-half-tonne satellite blasted off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at about 0650 local time (0050 GMT). One key objective will be to search for surface or sub-surface water-ice on the Moon, especially at the poles. Another will be to detect Helium 3, an isotope which is rare on Earth, but is sought to power nuclear fusion and could be a valuable source of energy in future. Powered by a single solar panel generating about 700 Watts, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) probe carries five Indian-built instruments and six that are foreign-built. The mission is expected to cost 3.8bn rupees (£45m; $78m).
(Excerpt) Read more at news.bbc.co.uk ...
Space Ping.
Can one imagine the effects of curry during a space mission in a sealed capsule? ***SHUDDER***
On the other hand they could be enjoying Chicken Tikka Masala up there ! (No wait... it’s unmanned)
Good for India! Still, moon missions are so 60’s.
Good stuff!
At least they know where to call if they have any computer problems.
Okay, sir, why don’t you now reboot the system. Do you still see the blue screen?
Will open first convenience store chain in space......developing........
And what mission is 08’s?
Indeed, kudos to India.
I have always think we should work with India (along with other free loving nations) more (provided Obama does not win)...
I agree. Greater coordination with Japan, India, and the ESA would be good for all concerned.
I prefer to have free nations be leader in space exploration than China (which we should keep an sharp eye on)..
“I have always think we should...”
Sheesh, AAC, proofread before posting. I need to refill my coffee mug.
Sorry, I thought that I was responding to myself. Nevermind. I am going to blame the bazillion polls that have been released for the past few weeks. It is their fault for making my brain a bit befuddled.
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