India makes history with successful Mars Orbiter Mission

India joins the ranks of Martian explorers, including the former USSR, United States and European Space Agency

Published September 24, 2014 2:51AM (EDT)

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

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.

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


By Katy Daigle

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