I was happy to be informed of the successful launch of the PSLV C-6 carrying CARTOSAT - 1 and HAMSAT payloads this morning form the second Launch Pad at Sriharikota which was dedicated to the nation by our President.

This is indeed a significant milestone in the Indian Space Programme. The State of the art Second Launch Pad augments our launch capabilities considerably and reaffirms once again the mergence of India as a major space power. Space technology and applications have become an integral part of our national development. The launch of CARTOSAT –I will herald a new era in advanced remote sensing applications. The launch of the smaller HAMSAT will be a great boon to the community of amateur Radio enthusiasts.

The nation is proud of the achievements of the scientists and engineers of the Indian Space Research Organization, to whom I convey my congratulations and best wishes for future success.