The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has congratulated the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for the successful launch of PSLV-C31 carrying IRNSS-1E, India’s fifth navigation satellite.

In a message to Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar, Chairman of ISRO, the President has said, "I extend my hearty congratulations to you and your entire team at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the successful launch of PSLV-C31 carrying IRNSS-1E, India’s fifth navigation satellite of the seven satellites constituting the India Regional Navigation Satellite System.

The launch marks an important landmark in our space programme and demonstrates, yet again, India’s capabilities in space launch technology. With this launch, our nation is one step closer to an operational independent regional navigational satellite system. This will help to provide real-time data on the position of objects to aid road, air and maritime traffic apart from providing mapping and tracking services. The nation is proud of this achievement.

Kindly convey my greetings to the members of your team of scientists, engineers, technologists and all others associated with this great mission. I wish all your future endeavours great success.”

This release issued at 1730 hrs.