India can certainly rejoice at the progress of the Mars Orbiter spacecraft (Dec. 2), now slung out of its earth-bound orbit towards a sun-centric orbit.
What is laudable is that ISRO’s scientists were undeterred by a minor setback earlier in the mission and have now managed to steer the craft out of trouble. As India’s first interplanetary mission is on track, we are optimistic that ISRO can accomplish its mission of putting the spacecraft into the Martian orbit next September.
Nalini Vijayaraghavan,
Thiruvananthapuram
Hearty congratulations to ISRO on yet another very major accomplishment. It is no doubt one of the most complex and crucially important steps. One hopes that by next year, ISRO can truly claim the title of an astounding first attempt.
Shahabuddin Nadeem,
Bangalore
The news of the spacecraft being on course is another feather in ISRO’s cap. The fact that the Mars Orbiter has already sent pictures of the earth is another achievement, and the ideal tribute to Vikram Sarabhai. The country is proud of the ISRO scientist community. The report, “Orbiter on course to Mars” was interesting.
Alphonse William,
Thiruvananthapuram
This is the right answer to sceptics who, over the years, have attempted to run down the space programme by bringing up other issues.
If a nation is to progress, it has to pay attention to the advancement of science and technology.
Pooja Mishra
Guwahati
