Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated the scientists for successfully launching India's maiden winged reusable launch vehicle (RLV) as a technology demonstrator.
"Launch of India's first indigenous space shuttle RLV - TD is the result of the industrious efforts of our scientists.
Congrats to them, " Modi said in a tweet.
"The dynamism and dedication with which our scientists and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) have worked over the years is exceptional and very inspiring, " he said.
"We have successfully accomplished the RLV - TD mission.
The lift - off was at 7. 00 a. m. from the first launch pad here, " ISRO director Devi Prasad Karnik told IANS after the shuttle returned to the Earth.
The 1. 7 - tonne RLV was launched from ISRO's spaceport here in Andhra Pradesh, about 80 km northeast of Chennai off the Bay of Bengal coast.