Isro gears up for PSLV launch under Modi's aegis

It will carry a French Earth observation satellite along with four other satellites from Singapore, Canada and Germany

A combination of stress and excitement is palpable among the scientists inside the Mission room at Sriharikota space port. This time the additional prayers, among the scientists, for the successful launch was due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's maiden visit to the space port.

Since Sunday this well secured island about 100 kms from Chennai was busy preparing for the launch of PSLV C23, which will carry five satellites for developed countries, including France, Canada, Singapore and Germany.

On Sunday, the Prime Minister had a brief tour of the facility and presentations were made by the scientists. Sources said that the Modi has assured Isro officials that his government is fully behind Isro's upcoming Missions. He entered the Mission Room, along with the Isro Chairman, at 9.24 am on Monday and went around talking to Isro officials.

They also said that Modi's visit and his discussion with the scientists boosted the morale of scientists. The development comes at a time India is eyeing larger pie in the global satellite launch market, which is estimated to be around $4 billion.

“Today's launch is more crucial in Isro's journey, considering the launch is meant for developed countries,” said Isro officials, adding that Prime Minister's presence further boost Isro image and sends a clear message that India will be one of the key players.

Earlier Modi, who was touring the facility took pictures infront of the PSLV C23. He was accompanied by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu, Isro Chairman K Radhakrishnan and others.

It may be noted that Modi will also be incharge of the departments of space and atomic energy. Reports have stated that some key projects like the human space flight programme, India's second mission to Mars with a lander and rover,and other deep space missions will get green singnal from Modi's Government.

Modi's interest in science and technology creates hope among scientists

Even as the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota for the first time after he took charge, he has been an hardcore enthusiast in supporting and promoting scientific studies, especially space research related programmes.

The Prime Minister, who arrived on Sunday evening at Sriharikota Space Centre, was keen on looking at the research programmes and understanding the needs of the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) in further improving its activities in space research.

An Isro official recalls that when the India's first interplanetary mission Mars Orbitor Mission (MOM) was launched last November, Modi was one among the first leaders to congratulate the team and spoke with high expectations about the research activities.

According to earlier reports, Modi was also keenly following the Isro's earlier remarkable mission to Moon, the Chandrayaan - 1, in October 2008. On the day, he set aside the Gujarat Cabinet briefly to visit the Space Application Centre in Ahmedabad, to congratulate and delivered a congratulatory message in the centre, which contributed two payloads to the Mission to Moon, said the report.

Reports also stated that the government lead by Modi has also started its operations with some positive policy decisions on the science and technology sector. For instance, one of the initial decisions of Modi government was that India will be represented by scientists, not ministers, at the science and technology conferences. This, according to sources, is a remarkable and progressive policy shift, recognising the importance of scientists.

Modi also keeps track of the developments in science and technology and occassionally tweet on his handle about the need and importance of science.