The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Thursday successfully launched communication satellite GSAT-6A on board a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) F08 and placed it in the designated orbit.
GSLV F08, fitted with an indigenously developed cryogenic third stage, carrying 2140 kg GSAT-6A, lifted off from the second launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at 4.56 pm and about 17 minutes later, three-stage rocket injected the satellite into a geosynchronous orbit.
ISRO scientists broke into celebrations at the mission control centre after the satellite was placed in the precise orbit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO on the successful launch. “Congratulations to ISRO and other stakeholders on the successful launch of GSLV-F08 with indigenous cryogenic stage,” he tweeted.
Meanwhile, ISRO chief K Sivan said GSAT6A was a complement to GSAT6, which was already in orbit, and these two satellites combined will provide a platform for the development of advanced technologies.
This is the first mission for Dr Sivan, who assumed charge of the space agency in January. Dr Sivan said that the space agency has planned for 10 high profile launches for the next nine months. “They include space science, communication, navigation, high-resolution remote sensing and high bandwidth for communication. The highlight will be Chandrayaan-2,” he added.
STATS
- GSAT-6A launched on board its 49.1metre geosynchronous rocket GSLV-F08
- Weight 2,140 kg
- 12th flight of GSLV rocket and the sixth with indigenous cryogenic upper stage
- GSAT-6A is a high power S-band communication satellite
