ISRO scripted history on Monday as it successfully launched its heaviest rocket GSLV MkIII-D1 carrying communication satellite GSAT-19.
The 43.43 metre tall rocket lifted off at 5:28 pm from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre here, and launched the 3,136 kg GSAT-19, the heaviest satellite to be launched from the country yet.
A jubilant Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman AS Kiran Kumar said it "is a historic day", and the the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III (MkIII D-1) has successfully demonstrated its capabilities with the injection of GSAT-19 into the desired orbit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the successful launch, saying it took India closer to next generation satellite capability.
Kiran Kumar said Modi called him and congratulated each member of the ISRO team for the successful mission.
Video Editor: Vivek Gupta
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