DHAKA: The Indian satellite which entered orbit around Mars on Wednesday has begun work, taking pictures of the planet's surface, BBC reports.

Space agency officials said a handful of images had been sent and were being processed before being released.

The "Mangalyaan" robotic probe, one of the cheapest interplanetary missions ever, will also study the Red Planet's atmosphere.

Media in India have hailed the mission as a "historic achievement".

The Hindu newspaper reported that the probe "has beamed back about 10 pictures of the Red Planet's surface which show some craters".

Officials were quoted by the newspaper as saying the pictures were of "good quality". They will reportedly be shown to Prime Minister Narendra Modi before being made public.

BDST: 1220 HRS, SEP 25, 2014