Congratulatory messages and appreciations poured in for the ISRO scientists following the successful launch of Indo-French Oceanographic study satellite ‘SARAL’ and six other mini and micro spacecrafts from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh yesterday.

The satellites were launched by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C20 rocket, while President Pranab Mukherjee witnessed the spectacle. ‘SARAL’ was ISRO’s 101st satellite launch. This was also the 22nd successive successful launch for the PSLV.

Indo-French satellite SARAL is the abbreviated form of ‘Satellite with ARgos and ALtika’. The 409-kg satellite will collect information on oceans and rains, help locate vessels and track migration of animals and birds.