Isro successfully launches GSAT-6A satellite

The Indian Space Research Organisation on Thursday successfully placed communication satellite GSAT-6A in orbit and also set the ball rolling for its bigger missions in the future. The space agency tested certain improved critical systems in the launch vehicle – GSLV Mk-II – that may eventually be used in its future missions, including the country’s second lunar mission.

GSLV Mk-II (GSLV-F08), carrying 2,140kg GSAT-6A, took off from the second launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, at 4.56pm. It was the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle’s 12th flight and sixth with indigenous cryogenic upper stage.

Around 17 minutes after lifting off from the launch pad, the three-stage rocket injected the satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit, and Isro scientists watching the monitors at the mission control centre in the spaceport broke into celebrations.

Congratulations to @isro and other stakeholders on the successful launch of GSLV-F08 with indigenous cryogenic stage.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 29, 2018