Scientists thrilled at Mars mission's success

The scientific community has expressed their joy and satisfaction over India's Mars Orbiter Mission, Mangalyaan, successfully entering the Martian orbit in its maiden attempt.

"Our science and technology has taken centre stage, inspiration for younger generation. This is a very lucky day," Scientist, Narottam Sahu told ANI.

Another scientist, Vishal Thakar said, "This will be very good for the research. We will be able to explore Mars. We can start a new life in Mars if possible. We are the first country to pull it off in the first attempt."

Thrilled at India's space programme achieving this unparalleled feat, Sandeep Bhattacharya, Assistant Director, Birla Planetorium said in Jaipur, "This is excellent. I am proud to be an Indian. We did it in the first attempt. None of the countries in the world have achieved it, as per my knowledge; this will take India to newer heights."

India's space programme created history early on Wednesday morning with the Mars Orbiter Mission, Mangalyaan, successfully entering the Martian orbit.

The insertion operation of the spacecraft was performed at the scheduled time 7.17.32 this morning and lasted for the prescribed 24 minutes.

On Monday, ISRO scientists successfully test-fired the mission's main engine.

Given the high rate of failures, only 21 out of 51 missions sent to Mars by various countries have been successful, and the success of India's Mars orbiter Mission in the very first shot will boost her global standing in space.

Mangalyaan is primarily a technological mission and has been configured to carry out observation of physical features and the atmosphere of Mars.

The Mars Orbiter Mission affectionately called "MOM" was India's first inter-planetary mission launched on November 5, 2013 from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

Mangalyaan has been on a 300-day marathon covering over 670 million kilometers.