Thiruvananthapuram: As the Chandrayaan I satellite treads a circular path around the moon, the latter is throwing up challenges to ISRO scientists as they strive for a successful completion of the two-year mission.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Assembly congratulated ISRO Chairman G Madhavan Nair and his colleagues for the successful launch of the nation's moon mission Chandrayaan-I. In a special reference at the Zero hour on the opening day of the Assembly's winter session, Speaker K Radhakrishnan said it was a proud moment for the entire nation when India's space agency successfully launched its maiden moon mission. "The achievement is certain to inspire the Indian scientific community to aim and reach greater heights," he said. Sharing the Speaker's sentiments, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said the state Culture Department was making arrangements for a grand reception for the Chandrayaan team. Opposition Leader Oommen Chandy said the success of Chandrayaan-I was a great national achievement. Kerala could especially be proud of it as the scientists from the state had played a prominent role in the mission, he said.