New Delhi, Jan 6 (PTI): President Pranab Mukherjee Sunday congratulated scientists at ISRO for the successful launch of the GSLV-D5 through use of indigenous cryogenic technology, saying that the feat had taken India to "new heights".

In his message, sent to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman Dr K Radhakrishnan, Mukherjee said, "Please accept my hearty congratulations to your team and you at ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV-D5 and injecting of GSAT-14 communication satellite into the intended orbit.

"The launch... Marks an important step in taking India's capabilities in the field of rocket launches to new heights through the mastery of cryogenic technology," he said.

The launch of the GSAT-14 also announces India's entry into the heavy satellite launch market.

"The nation is proud of the important achievements made by ISRO and looks upon the organisation to take India into the ranks of the leading nations of the world in the field of space research," he said.