Sriharikota: "It's a great technological achievement for the country," a visibly elated chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Dr K Kasturirangan, said on May 8 after the successful launch of Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle and the injection of GSAT-2 satellite into Geo- synchronous transfer orbit.

Addressing the ISRO team from the mission control room, he said, "It was indeed a great day and proud moment for all of us here and the entire country."

The cryogenic stage performed beautifully, he said, adding, "Kudos to all of you who toiled hard for years to make the mission a success."

Quoting his colleague, Kasturirangan said the satellite "hit the bull's eye".

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee congratulated all the personnel of ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV from Sriharikota, describing it as a "great pride for all Indians".

Informing Lok Sabha of the second test-flight of indigenously-made GSLV from the Satish Dhavan Space Centre, he said, "The experimental communication satellite, GSAT-2, was injected precisely into the planned geo-synchronous transfer orbit."

"This is matter of great pride for all Indians. I am sure the House would join me in congratulating all the personnel of the ISRO and its associated research laboratories and industrial units for reaching yet another landmark in space," Vajpayee said.

PTI