ISRO chief prays at Andhra temple before launch of INSAT-3DS

ISRO Chairman S Somanath on Saturday visited the Sri Chengalamma Parameshwari temple in Nellore district ahead of the launch of the INSAT-3DS weather satellite aboard the Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) rocket and prayed for its success.

Somanath along with several other officials visited the temple at Sarupetta this morning, participated in a brief ceremony and offered flowers to the deity.

“I have come here today to seek the blessings of Jayarama Bhagawati for the success of this mission,” Somnath told reporters.

The ISRO chief pointed out that the launch mission of the meteorological satellite is scheduled for 5:35 pm today. The satellite mainly studies weather, climate and tracks cyclones.

ISRO officials usually visit the temple before rocket launches, a tradition that dates back about 15 years.

Somanath also visited the temple on the eve of the Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1 missions.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)