President Pranab Mukherjee Tuesday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for the successful launch of the country's first Mars orbiter spacecraft, describing it as a "significant milestone" in India's space programme.

 

 "I congratulate you and your team on the successful launch of the Mars orbiter spacecraft on PSLV – C 25. This launch of India's first dedicated Mars orbiter spacecraft is a significant milestone in the progress of our space programme and space applications," he said in a message to ISRO chairman K. Radhakrishnan.

 

 "This day shall go down as a landmark in our space programme, a day which will inspire our scientists to make even greater strides in achieving our national goals in the field of space," he said.

 

 "Kindly convey my greetings to all members of your (Radhakrishnan's) team and all others involved in this great mission," Mukherjee said.

 

 The Indian rocket carrying the country's first Mars orbiter took off from the launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh Tuesday.