India Puts Spacecraft Into Martian Orbit: 'We Have Prevailed

Story by the Associated Press; curated by Oliver Darcy.

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NEW DELHI (AP) — India has triumphed in its first interplanetary attempt by successfully putting a satellite into orbit around Mars.

The odds, were stacked against us. Of the 51 missions, attempted across the world so far, a mere 21 had succeeded. But we have prevailed: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 24, 2014

With today’s spectacular success, ISRO joins an elite group, of only 3 other agencies worldwide to have successfully reached red planet: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 24, 2014

India is the only country, to have succeeded in its very first attempt: PM @narendramodi.

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 24, 2014

Scientists broke into wild cheers Wednesday morning as the orbiter's engines completed 24 minutes of burn time and maneuvered into its designated place around the red planet.

The success of India's Mars Orbiter Mission, affectionately nicknamed MOM, brings India into an elite club of Martian explorers that includes United States, the European Space Agency and the former Soviet Union.

What is red, is a planet and is the focus of my orbit? pic.twitter.com/HDRWjOcPus

— ISRO's Mars Orbiter (@MarsOrbiter) September 24, 2014

The Indian Space and Research Organisation described the mission as flawless.

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