U.S. President Barack Obama apparently promoted a popular image-based social networking Web site at hia State of The Union address. He asked astronaut Scott Kelly to use the Web site for sharing his experience in space.

While it already has millions of users to promote it, Instagram may have found its most prestigious admirer. The U.S. president has referred to Instagram at the SOTU when he addressed Kelly regarding the U.S. mission to Mars. Obama wished the astronaut “good luck” and reminded him to “Instagram it” after reaching the space.

"Last month, we launched a new spacecraft as part of a re-energized space program that will send American astronauts to Mars," ABC News quotes Obama, "In two months, to prepare us for those missions, Scott Kelly will begin a year-long stay in space.” The U.S. president called Kelly “captain,” while the astronaut acknowledged Obama’s reference.

Kelly is the first astronaut to spend a year on the International Space Station for research purpose. Even though Kelly is apparently an active Twitter user, he does not seem to be much active on Instagram. He was seen posting an image only once so far.

Obama’s SOTU speech was, however, significant for more reasons than one. He talked about the United States’ growing economy, shrinking deficits and bustling industry. He said that the country had a booming energy production, while it had risen from recession freer to write its own future than any other nation on Earth.

Obama said that it would be up to Americans to choose whom they want to be over the next 15 years and for decades to come. He asked if Americans would accept an economy where only a few of them do spectacularly well or they would commit themselves to an economy generating rising incomes and chances for everyone making the effort.

Hillary Clinton, who appears to be a possible 2016 presidential candidate, has written on Twitter that SOTU pointed way to an economy that works for all. She says that Americans need to step up and deliver for the middle class.

On the other hand, 2012 GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney has written on Facebook that Obama is more interested in politics than in leadership in his State of the Union speech. He says that the U.S. president is more intent on winning elections than on winning progress.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@IBTimes.com.au