IRNSS-1G launch: PM Modi lauds ISRO, says it's a great gift to people of India from scientists

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated the Indian Space agency on the successful launch of the seventh and final satellite, IRNSS-1G, of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) from Sriharikota.

The Prime Minister, who himself watched the launch of the PSLV C33/ IRNSS 1G, also congratulated the people.

Few minutes into the launch, and congratulating the scientists at ISRO, Modi wrote on the micro-blogging site Twitter:

Check out some of his tweets below-

First and foremost I want to congratulate all @isro scientists and the entire team. I also congratulate the people of India: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 28, 2016

In space science, our scientists have achieved many accomplishments. Through space science lives of people can be transformed: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 28, 2016

With this successful launch, we will determine our own paths powered by our technology. This is a great gift to people from scientists: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 28, 2016

Our efforts will not only help India but we can help fellow SAARC nations as well: PM @narendramodi

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 28, 2016

Exactly at 12.50 p.m. the PSLV rocket standing 44.4 metres tall and weighing 320 tonnes tore into the afternoon skies with fierce orange flames at its tail. And just over 20 minutes into the flight, the PSLV rocket ejected its sole passenger - IRNSS-1F - at an altitude of 488.9 km.

The IRNSS comprising the seven satellites will offer services with much 'better accuracy' and targeted position in navigation on par with the Global Positioning System of the United States.