Isro celebrates second year of Mars mission launch

A book on the Indian space programme was released on the second anniversary of the Mars Orbiter spacecraft launch, which successfully completed one year in orbit around Mars on September 24, 2015.

The mission was launched on November 5, 2013, exactly two years to this day.The book, “From Fishing Hamlet to Red Planet”, was released by Prof U R Rao, chairman, PRL Council and former chairman, Isro. A S Kiran Kumar, chairman, Isro, Dr K Radhakrishnan, former Isro chairman, and other dignitaries were present.

This comprehensive compendium traces the evolution of India’s satellite launch vehicle and application programmes from a historical perspective.

Speaking on the occasion, Kumar said the book placed on record the innovative approach adopted by Isro right from the beginning to develop space technologies for national development. He stressed the need for Isro to shoulder new responsibilities in contemporary times. The e-version of the book is made available on the Isro website for free download.

During its journey around Mars, the spacecraft has sent hundreds of Mars images, including numerous full disc images of the planet, because of the unique elliptical orbit in which it was placed. The spacecraft health is normal.