US lauds India's moon mission

New Delhi, Oct 22 (IANS) Lauding India on its first unmanned scientific mission to the moon, the US Wednesday said it showcased its technological prowess and exemplified ideals of bilateral partnership between the two countries.

"The US congratulates India on the successful launch. This is a proud moment in Indian history and demonstrates India's technological prowess by joining the international community in the peaceful exploration of space," US ambassador David Mulford said in a statement here.

Alluding to two instruments provided by the US for Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, the US envoy said the launch in which scientists from the US worked closely with their Indian partners, exemplified "the ideals of our bilateral partnership".

The 44.4-metre-tall, 316-tonne rocket, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C11), had a copybook launch at 6.20 a.m. from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh Wednesday morning and completed its mission by placing Chandrayaan-1 into its scheduled orbit around the earth within 18 minutes, as planned.

The spacecraft carries 11 scientific instruments, five from India and six from universities and laboratories of the European Space Agency, the US and Bulgaria.