Britain's latest space triumph has received warm praise from the government.

Science minister Lord Sainsbury led congratulations to the experts behind the British-built Beagle Two Mars lander.

The robot successfully began its final descent to Mars on Friday and is expected to land on the "red planet" on Christmas Day.

If all goes according to plan it will then take samples, study the weather and take photographs.

The mission is a key part of the government's space strategy unveiled earlier this week.

The project is a joint public-private partnership between the DTI, the Office of Science and Technology and the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council.

"This is an exciting moment for all those involved," said science minister Lord Sainsbury."Beagle Two is an excellent example of Britain's world-class science and engineering.

"It is a model for cooperation between scientists and engineers, and will tell us fascinating and important information about Mars."