Ahead of the scheduled launch of the INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite aboard a GSLV rocket, ISRO Chairman S Somanath made a customary visit to the Sri Chengalamma Parameshwari temple in Nellore district. Accompanied by fellow officials, Somanath participated in a brief ritual and offered prayers for the success of the mission.
Expressing his reverence, Somanath stated, “I came here today to seek the blessings of Chengalamma Bhagavati for the success of this mission.” He emphasized the significance of the launch, scheduled for 5:35 pm, highlighting the satellite’s role in weather monitoring, climate study, and cyclone tracking.
This tradition of visiting the temple before rocket launches has been observed by ISRO officials for the past 15 years. Somanath had previously visited the temple ahead of missions such as Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1, underscoring the agency’s longstanding practice of seeking divine intervention for the success of its endeavors.
