President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice-President Hamid Ansari on Friday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on the successful launch of the South Asia Satellite.
The President in his message to A.S. Kiran Kumar, Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO, conveyed his "heartiest congratulations" to him and his entire team at ISRO.
"The launch of the South Asia Satellite which enables a range of services in the areas of telecommunication and broadcasting will go a long way in meeting the developmental needs of countries of South Asia. I am confident that the project will promote friendship and cooperation and help further cement ties between India and her neighbours," the President said.
In his congratulatory message, Vice-President Hamid Ansari said the satellite will boost connectivity and cooperation among all participating Saarc countries.
"The flawless launch demonstrates India's capabilities in Geosynchronous Satellite launching. I wish ISRO all the very best for the future," he said.
An Indian rocket with the over two-tonne South Asia Satellite or GSAT-9, intended to address the region's "economic and developmental priorities", blasted off from the Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pradesh on Friday.
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--IANS
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