"I am sure the moon mission is just a start towards further planetary explorations," he told space officials at Sriharikota, a rocket range in southern India.

Kalam, a rocket scientist who is known as the father of India's missile programme, said the moon mission would also "electrify" the spirit of young scientists and children.

The moon mission, called Chandrayan-I, will cost 3.86 billion rupeesmillion dollars).

A 400 kilogramme (880 pound) satellite will be put into orbit using an Indian-made polar satellite launch vehicle.

Space officials say a major spin-off of the programme will be the creation of a new cadre of planetary scientists in India in the next three years.

Kalam urged scientists to come up with cost-effective reusable space launch vehicles.

SPACE.WIRE