PSLV-C23 lifts off successfully

India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C23), carrying five foreign satellites from France, Germany, Canada and Singapore, lifts off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed the launch at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

PM Narendra Modi congratulating scientists after the successful launch of five foreign satellites by India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C23) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on Monday. ISRO Chairman K. Radhakrishnan is also seen. Speaking at Sriharikota spaceport, around 100 kms from Chennai, after witnessing PSLV C23 launch today, PM Narendra Modi said, “India's Space programme, is driven by a vision of service to humanity. Not by a desire of power.”

In his speech, the Prime Minister said the Community to enlarge the footprint of India's satellite-based navigation system, to cover all of South Asia. He emphasised the role the space science and technology play in the day-to-day life of common man.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, YSR Congress president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy and other leaders today congratulated ISRO scientists on the successful launch of the PSLV C-23 rocket carrying five satellites. "It is a very happy occasion. I congratulate every ISRO scientist who contributed to this success and enhanced India's glory," Chandrababu said in a statement.

While praising the Scientists, the PM said they have shown the world the power of frugal engineering and imagination. "Cost of India’s mission to Mars is lower than the cost of Hollywood movie Gravity". Modi said he is following the progress of the Mars mission keenly. The country must develop more advanced satellites with higher computing, imaging and transmitting power. It has to expand the Satellite footprint in terms of frequency and quality and also strengthen the international partnership in all areas of space technology.

Narendra Modi said “we are proud that our programme is indigenous. Generations of scientists have worked to make India a self-reliant space power. Even today's satellites are from developed nations. Truly, this is a global endorsement of our space capability.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the scientists after the successful launch of five foreign satellites by India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C23), from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The Prime Minister in his speech said, "Continued progress in space must remain a national mission. We must keep enhancing our space capabilities." He asked the Department of Space, to pro-actively engage with all stakeholders, to maximise use of space science in Governance and Development and also work with Universities and Colleges to attract talents. He noted, he could see four generations of people working in the Isro.