The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)Â successfully launched GSLV-MK-III D2 carrying GSAT-29 satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota on Wednesday. GSAT-29 communication satellite was launched into space at 5:08 pm.
Marking ISRO's fifth launch for the current year, the communication satellite carries high throughput communication transponders in the Ka and Ku bands which can expand high-speed data transfer in the remote areas of India.Â
"The credit must be given the ISRO team. Let me congratulate entire team for this wonderful achievement," said K Sivan, chairman of the ISRO, after the launch.
The satellite launch is the second test flight for the GSLV Mark III rocket, which is also ISRO's heaviest rocket. The rocket is capable of introducing four-tonne class satellites into a geostationary transfer orbit.
The 27-hour-countdown for the Wednesday launch began at 2.50pm on Tuesday and the rocket blasted off at 5.08 pm from the spaceport at Sriharikota over 100 km from Chennai.
ISRO scientists broke into cheers as the satellite was injected into a geosynchronous orbit, 16 minutes after lift-off. Sivan said the country had achieved a significant milestone following the successful launch and the injection of the satellite into the intended profit was 'precise.'
"I am extremely happy to declare that our heaviest launcher in its second mission has lifted the heaviest satellite, GSAT 29 from Indian soil, and after a majestic travel of 16 minutes, it precisely injected it into the intended Geo Transfer Orbit," he said.
Cyclone Gaja had clouded the launch plans but with its changing course and conducive weather conditions prevailing, the rocket blasted off on schedule.
Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the ISRO scientists for the successful mission, saying it would boost the communication services in the remotest corners of the country.
(With inputs from agencies)Â
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