17 October, 2013: A team of Scientist from the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) accompanied by India’S High Commissioner to Fiji, H.E. Mr Vinod Kumar paid a courtesy call visit today to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola at his office in Suva.
The team of scientist are currently working towards a Mars Orbiter Mission called “Mangalyaan” which it plans to launch later this month. The mission is a technology demonstrator project aiming to develop the technologies required in designing, planning, managing and operating of an interplanetary mission.
The Indian Deep Space Network will perform navigation and tracking operations of this mission and NASA’s Deep Space Network will provide support services as well. The team of the Indian Scientist currently in Fiji will be monitoring the launch from two different points in the Pacific Ocean.
H.E. Kumar, requested the support of Minister Kubuabola for the “Mangalyaan” mission.
Minister Kubuabola has welcomed the initiative by the Government of India and has provided his support for the Mars Orbiter Mission.
Yesterday the team of scientists met with the President of Fiji H.E Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and extended their appreciation to the Fijian Government’s support to the program.
MINFO