President Pranab Mukherjee congratulates ISRO for Mangalyaan success

NEW DELHI: President Pranab Mukherjee today congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the success of the Mars Orbiter Mission ' Mangalyaan', saying the breakthrough will inspire the country's scientists to make even greater strides.

In a message to Chairman of ISRO K Radhakrishnan, the President said, "I extend my hearty congratulations and best wishes to you and your team on the successful Orbit Insertion Maneuver of the Mars Orbiter Mission 'Mangalyaan' after a journey of nearly nine months.

"The success has made India the first Asian country and ISRO the fourth space agency to send a satellite to the red planet. ISRO is also the first to enter the Martian Orbit in it's maiden attempt," he said.

The President said the nation is proud of this historic achievement which has demonstrated, yet again, India's space capabilities.

"I am sure that this breakthrough, which marks a significant landmark in our space programme, will inspire our scientists to make even greater strides. Kindly convey my greetings to the members of your team of scientists, engineers, technologists and all others associated with this great mission. The nation is grateful for their hard work and proud of their accomplishment," he said.