Russia's rocket and space industry should become one of the drivers of national economic growth and technological sovereignty, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday.

On the occasion of Cosmonautics Day, the president's congratulations to workers and veterans of the rocket and space industry were posted by the Kremlin.

"The rocket and space industry should become one of the engines of national economic growth to ensure the country's technological sovereignty and enhance the quality of people's lives in all regions of Russia," Putin said.

Russia should work on advanced manned spacecraft and rocket carriers, since it is important to constantly make progress in the space industry, as well as to introduce modern component base, new materials and technologies, Putin added.