By Srinivas Laxman

Mumbai - India's space programme rocketed into greater heights with the successful launch of the Insat-3B satellite by the high-tech Ariane-5 rocket from the European spaceport of Kourou in French Guyana.

This much-awaited event was marked by an exchange of congratulatory hand shakes and embraces among the scientists in the control room at Kourou. After both the satellites were placed in their respective orbits, chief executive officer of Arianespace Jean Marie Luton announced the success of the mission. Addressing the scientists in the control room, ISRO chairperson K Kasturirangan said: "Arianespace you have done it again. It was a beautiful and majestic take off and a new Insat has just been born. And, it was born with the right help. We are happy that Ariane-5 has placed Insat-3B in the orbit. The health of the satellite is perfect and everything points to a normal flight.''

Speaking to this newspaper from New Delhi, principal scientific adviser to the government of India APJ Abdul Kalam called the successful launch an important milestone in India's space programme. "It will help India's communication system,'' he said. Chairperson of the atomic energy commission R Chidambaram said: "I am extremely happy. It is a fantastic achievement. I am glad this project has been so successful.'' Tata Institute of Fundamental Research director S S Jha said the successful launch of Insat-3B will provide further boost to our country's space programme.

But the final moments leading to the launch were anxiety-filled ones. At T-30 minutes prior to lift off, there was a mood of thrill, excitement and eager anticipation in the mission control and launch control centres and two minutes later the huge launch status board in the Jupiter control room showed green indicating all was a "go'' for launch at 4.27 a.m. (IST). With the minutes ticking away launch control manager Andre Cicaro remarked: "It will be an easier launch compared to Ariane-4 and I feel excited.''

However, when it was just a mere seven minutes left for the take off the countdown had to be put on hold because of the possibility of an electrical storm developing in the region. Simultaneously, there was a minor technical snag with the "synchronised sequence'' of the AsiaStar satellite. Immediately, a mood of uncertainty and anxiety filled the control room because the launch commentator said: "The scene does appear to be promising for a lift off tonight (Kourou time).''

But, luck prevailed. The weather cleared and the problem with the AsiaStar satellite got solved too. When it was five minutes and four seconds left for the lift off, all systems were once again a "go." Then as the three second time mark was crossed, the rocket's on board computer system took over and the launch commentator announced with a feeling of tremendous relief: "We have ignition.'' Then at 4.57 a.m. (IST) the Ariane-5 rocket lifted off from the launch pad.