New Delhi, August 16: The Indian national flag was unfurled at an altitude of over 30 km today as the country marked its 75 years of Independence. The tri-color was sent to the edge of space on a balloon by Space Kidz India, which describes itself as an aerospace organization creating young scientists for the country.
“Celebrating 75 years of Independence by unfurling the Indian Flag @ 30 km in Near Space,” said Space Kidz India, tweeting a video of the flag. The unfurling of the flag was part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations that mark the completion of 75 years since India became Independent.
“This is a mark of respect and tribute to all the freedom fighters and pride to people who are struggling hard to make India proud every day,” the organization said. Space Kidz India had recently launched a satellite “AzaadiSat” built by 750 schoolgirls. But the satellite got placed in an unstable orbit and is not usable anymore, The Indian Space Research Organisation had said. Meanwhile, Indian-American astronaut Raja Chari this morning shared a photo of the Indian flag at the International Space Station (ISS). “On Indian Independence eve, I’m reminded of the Indian diaspora that I could see from @Space_Station where my immigrant father’s hometown of Hyderabad shines bright. @nasa is just 1 place Indian Americans make a difference every day. Looking forward to @IndianEmbassyUS celebration,” he said in a tweet.