Chandrayaan mission 'exciting': US

The White House hails the launch of India's maiden unmanned mission to Moon and describes it very interesting and encouraging.

The launch of India's maiden unmanned mission to Moon on Wednesday was described as "exciting" by the United States, which has provided two instruments for the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft.

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The White House took note of the launch of Chandrayan 1, saying it was "very interesting" as well as "encouraging" and "exciting".

Dana Perino, the White House Press Secretary, on Wednesday was asked to comment on whether the President George W Bush is aware of the launch of Chandrayan 1 whose payload includes that of the NASA.

"I haven't spoken to the president about it. I saw that story. It was very interesting. We noted it. It's very encouraging for India, I'm sure very exciting," Perino said.

Earlier today, the US hailed the successful launch of India's unmanned mission to Moon saying New Delhi has demonstrated its technological prowess and was emerging as an "ever stronger space power." Instruments from the US and Europe are on-board the unmanned spacecraft.

American Ambassador to India David C Mulford said the US was proud to participate in the mission as the country had provided two instruments for it.

"The US congratulates India on the successful launch. This is a proud moment in Indian history and demonstrates India's technological prowess by joining the international community in the peaceful exploration of space," Mulford said.

"Ahead of today's launch, scientists from the United States worked closely with their Indian partners to prepare the US contribution to the Chandrayan spacecraft, exemplifying the ideals of our bilateral partnership," he said.