Thank You ISRO.

Everyone knows moon has always been part of our life. First, for the bachelor guys like me who try to impress there GF by comparing her with Moon. And Second, what another better proof than the recent successful unmanned Indian lunar mission, Chandrayaan-1 (Sanskrit for mooncraft). My fascination began when I was a child. I used to try and draw the moon and reproduce its features, though not too successfully, since I am not an artist. Singing Chanda-Mama song with friends...

I was extremely thrilled when the government announced in 2003 that India was planning an unmanned scientific mission to the moon. And then after 5 year of long wait ISRO announced that the D-day could be October 22, if weather permits.

But Why I am so excited?
October 22 is not even my birthDATE. I share my birthDATE 22nd Jan with Ben Moody (Guitarist), Daniel Wayne Smith (Actor) and Ben Eager (Skate hockey player) and I do share there qualities too. But now I want to share my BirthDAY 22nd with this precious mission.

On the night of October 21, I was readying to leave from the office. I told my manager and team members about the launch and told that I will leave early today. This is the first launch experience from any space program which will be streamed live on internet. I reached at home, I did ON my laptop and wifi, It was 7:00 PM (EST) (4:30 AM IST) and launch of Chandrayaan-1 lunar orbiter supposed to beginning at 05:50 IST. Waooo I am on time.

At exactly 4.40 am, the moon which was so far hidden by the dark clouds came out as though it was inviting Chandrayaan. A little while later the stars too became visible. The sky began to clear and at 5.50 am there was an announcement saying that the weather was a `go' for launch. At 6.20 am the ignition sequence was initiated and at 6.22 am sharp, perfectly on schedule, the four-stage mighty PSLV carrying Chandrayaan roared into life, lifted off the launch pad and rode into the skies in a plume of yellow flames.

It was a majestic sight. In a few seconds it disappeared into the clouds though we could hear the sound for a while. Eighteen minutes later the moon-bound Chandrayaan was placed in its initial orbit and the mission was declared a thumping success.

Critics say that the "Chandrayaan Mission was a waste of money and resources". "We can save poverty, jobs, resources, development...", these.... that....
Guys, Chandrayaan mission is having enormous benefit, among there will be two kinds of distinct advantages. The first being the technology transfer and increase in the utility of technology. The experiments done on the moon for its soil and other chemicals would improve chemical research in the country and might lead to breakthrough ideas in chemical industry which will improve the livelihoods of so many people. The technological transfer advantage is the amounts of money or other value add obtained by sharing this technology with other countries. Moreover, it allows ISRO to grab the limelight and showcase it workhorse PSLV engine - which can be a lucrative revenue stream when it starts doing paid-for launches.

I am now ready to watch Chandrayaan-Returns (Chandrayaan-II) in 2011. Three cheers to the people behind the mission. Thank You ISRO.