Former astronaut Jerry Linenger, who spent five months inside the space station Mir, says India's contribution towards space exploration over the years has been instrumental in unravelling some great discoveries.
"India's contribution towards space exploration over the years has been instrumental in unravelling discoveries beyond Earth. Chandrayaan 2 is a breakthrough mission that will enable us understand the presence of water on the moon," Linenger said.
"This is not to benefit India but mankind across the globe. I am excited to be witnessing this historic moment in India and will urge all citizens of the earth to witness India making history," he added.
Linenger is known for surviving a fire during one of the most dramatic missions in space history. He spent nearly five months aboard the Russian Space Station Mir.
He will share his space experiences in a special programme on National Geographic, when the channel takes viewers on an expedition to witness India's latest space endeavour -- the Chandrayaan 2 landing -- on September 6 through a live telecast of the event.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
NASA To Decide Stranded Starliner Astronauts' Route Home By End Of Month ISRO's Next Launch, An Experimental Satellite Ride On A "Small" Rocket NASA Explains How Intense Geomagnetic Storms Lead to Stunning Auroras Vandalism At Kolkata Hospital Where Doctor Was Raped, Tear Gas Fired Starbucks' Indian-Origin CEO, Recently Fired, Never Worked Past 6 pm 150 mg Semen In Kolkata Doctor's Body, Suspect Gang-Rape: Parents To Court Delhi Airport Becomes 1st To Achieve Net Zero Carbon Emission Status US Welcomes India's Engagement In War Between Russia, Ukraine Google Says Iran Hackers Target Trump, Kamala Harris Campaigns Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.