India has successfully launched its first mission to Mars as it aims to become the only Asian nation to reach the red planet.
“It’s lift off,” said a commentator on state television as the red-and-black rocket launched into a slightly overcast sky on schedule from the spaceport in Sriharikota.
The 350-tonne launch vehicle, carrying an unmanned probe, was monitored by dozens of control room scientists who face their most daunting task since India began its space program in 1963.