The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has congratulated the scientists of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), for the successful launch of PSLV-C19 carrying the Radar Imaging Satellite RISAT-1. Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s message:

"I would like to warmly congratulate all scientists of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for the successful launch today of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C19 carrying the Radar Imaging Satellite-1 (RISAT-1), the heaviest satellite launched till date using PSLV. The twentieth consecutive successful launch of the PSLV is an important milestone in our space programme and is testimony to ISRO’s mastery of the complex launch vehicle technology. I have no doubt that RISAT-1’s all weather, day-night imaging ability will significantly contribute to the nation’s remote sensing capabilities. The country is proud of ISRO’s achievements and I wish the organization all success in its future endeavours."