India has reached a milestone in the fifty years of space program by a landmark of 100th space mission. PSLV-C-21 carrying the heaviest French satellite SPOT 6 and 15 Kg Japanese satellite PROITERES lifted off successfully at 9.51 hours from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre Sriharikota today.Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh, Minister of State in PM’s office Mr.V.Narayansamy, Union Minister Mrs.Panabaka Lakshmi, ISRO’s former Director Dr.Kasthurirangan and a host of senior scientists of the organisation witnessed the historic feat of Indian Space Science from the spaceport.

The speciality of PROITERES is that the project was developed by students of Osaka Institute of Technology Electric Rocket Engine on board small satellite. SPOT 6 is the heaviest satellite to be launched by PSLV for an international customer.

Since 13 years after the PSLV went commercial this is the third time that the launch vehicle exclusively carries foreign satellites.This is also the first time that France has chosen an outside launch for SPOT. The previous five SPOT satellites went up on aboard earlier versions of European Ariane rocket.

Speaking on the occasion of the successful launch, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh congratulated ISRO scientists and said, the historic launch is a testimony for the commercial competitiveness of the Indian Space Program. He thanked them for setting up world class facility and creating a milestone in Indian innovation in the 50th year of Indian space science.

Praising scientists for the hardwork, sincerity and dedication, Prime Minister said that ISRO has set a glorious tradition and has achieved greater heights. Dr. Manmohan Singh remembered working with Prof. Satish Dhawan and his long association with ISRO.