Sriharikota, (AP):
Anxiety gave way to unbridled joy for thousands of space enthusiasts gathered here after ISRO successfully Monday launched its second lunar mission Chandrayaan 2.
The 7,500 seat gallery set up by ISRO to witness the rocket launch, a few kilometers away from the second launch pad, was full with those registering last week for the July 15 launch, rebooking their seats.
The July 15 launch was called off just about an hour left after a technical glitch was detected in the rocket.
“I am here for the first time. Last time I could not make it due to the odd hour (the launch was at 2.51 AM).
Today we reached here (Sriharikota) at 10 AM itself to witness the launch”, Shilpa a college student from Vijayawada said
Rakesh, a private firm employee, who had come here from neighbouring Sulurpeta, said it was a great experience with the roar of the rocket clearly audible to them despite the distance from the launch pad.
“Some of my friends had wanted to join me. But I was told that the gallery was full.
For me, it was an unforgettable experience. Despite seeing the rocket for just a few seconds before it disappeared into the thick clouds, it was a great feeling”, he said.
Many others were seen purchasing miniature models of the GSLVMkIII-M1 rocket sold near the entrance of the Sriharikota as a memorabilia.
The gallery at the sprawling Satish Dhawan Space Center here, would also comprise a rocket museum.
The space afficoniados were also seen clicking pictures of the various models of ISRO’s GSLV and PSLV rockets kept at the entrance of the gallery
The gallery was formally inaugurated by ISRO Chairman K Sivan in May.
ISRO has plans to enhance the capacity of the gallery to seat 10,000 people.
