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ISRO Chief Backs NASA's Artemis II Moon Mission, Confident of Grand Success

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan has expressed strong confidence in the success of NASA's Artemis II mission, which marks the first crewed flight around the Moon in over five decades. He revealed he watched the launch and had previously seen the vehicle during a visit to the Canadian Space Agency. Narayanan also provided an update on India's Gaganyaan mission, stating the astronaut-designates are undergoing high-altitude training in Ladakh. He emphasized ISRO's commitment to its planned launches under the leadership of the Prime Minister.

Key Points: ISRO Chief Praises NASA Artemis II, Updates on Gaganyaan

  • ISRO chief praises NASA's Artemis II mission
  • First crewed moon flight in over 50 years
  • Confidence in mission's grand success
  • Updates on India's Gaganyaan astronaut training
  • Highlights collaborative spirit in space exploration
3 min read

ISRO chief praises NASA's Artemis II mission, says 'hopeful of grand success'

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan expresses full confidence in NASA's Artemis II lunar mission and provides updates on India's Gaganyaan astronaut training.

"I am 100 per cent sure that this mission will be a grandly successful leading to the landing later. - V. Narayanan"

Thiruvananthapuram, April 4

Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman V. Narayanan on Saturday praised NASA's latest Artemis II mission and also expressed confidence that the mission will be "grandly successful".

NASA's Artemis II Moon mission lifted off from the US state of Florida on April 2, carrying four astronauts on the first crewed flight around the Moon in more than 50 years. It is the American space agency's first crewed mission under the Artemis programme. The four-member crew consists of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen/

Narayanan told reporters, "In 1969, for the first time, man landed on the moon. Again, after 57 years, they want to go for a landing through the Artemis programme. This is a step towards that. This is an orbital mission. I think they are going around the moon, and then they are going to come back."

The ISRO chief mentioned that he too had witnessed the launch on television and also had the opportunity to have a look at the mission's launch vehicle during his visit to the Canadian Space Agency.

"I also had the privilege to watch the launch, which lifted off on 2nd April, early morning at around 4:05 am (IST). In fact, during our last visit to the Canadian Space Agency, the vehicle was under construction. We had the opportunity to see the first stage."

The ISRO chief also heaped praise on the technicalities of the Artemis II launch vehicle.

"It is a great effort towards the development of the human scientific entourage. I am 100 per cent sure that this mission will be a grandly successful leading to the landing (of humans on the moon) later. It is a very important mission for human beings."

Narayanan also spoke about India's Gaganyaan mission astronauts undertaking Mission 'Mitra' in Ladakh.

"We inaugurated the programme the day before yesterday. They are at around 4 km altitude and undergoing detailed training. It is part of the Gaganyatri training programme."

India's astronaut-designates or Gaganyatris, who have been selected for ISRO's first human space mission, are currently undergoing high-altitude training in the cold desert of Ladakh.

Further, about India's Moon mission and upcoming launches, the ISRO Chairman said: "We are working towards the immediate launches. This financial year is just starting. A lot of things are planned."

"We are working towards all the programmes under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Whatever best effort is required, we are doing... to achieve the necessary things for the country in the space activity," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
It's wonderful to see international cooperation in space exploration. The Artemis mission is exciting, and I'm equally thrilled to follow India's progress with Gaganyaan. The future of space is collaborative.
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Arjun K
While it's good to praise others, I hope ISRO is also getting the full funding and support it needs. Our scientists are brilliant but sometimes bureaucracy slows them down. Focus on our missions with the same zeal!
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Priya S
Training at 4 km altitude in Ladakh! That's some serious preparation for our Gaganyatris. Wishing them all the best. The world is watching, and India will shine. All the best to NASA too.
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Rohit P
The Chairman's words show true sportsman spirit. We learn from global peers and also contribute. Chandrayaan-3 was a massive success, and Gaganyaan will be the next big leap. Exciting times for space tech!
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Karthik V
It's good to be hopeful for NASA, but let's not forget the cost difference. ISRO achieves so much with a fraction of the budget. That's the real "grand success" story. Our scientists are the true heroes.

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