The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday successfully launched its heaviest and most powerful yet -- the GSLV-Mark III, which put the GSAT-19 satellite into orbit.
The launch is being seen an India's entry into the 'heavy-lift rocket club' that can put four-tonne satellites into space. The U.S., Russia, Europe, China and Japan are already there.
Live updates:
5: 50 p.m: " Congratulations to the dedicated scientists of ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV – MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission," Prime Minister NArendra Modi tweeted.
5: 40 p.m: Today is a historic day, ISRO's Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar says.
I take this opportunity to congratulate the entire team which worked on this project, he says.
5: 28 p.m: And it's off!
GSLV-Mark III's liftoff has been termed 'normal'. GSAT—19 successfully put into orbit.
5: 20 p.m: T-minus 8 minutes!
The GSLV-D1 will be powered by an indigenous cryogenic engine. While indigenous cryogenic engines have been carried on earlier flights as well in recent years, they were modelled on cryogenic engines designed by Russia. “This cryogenic engine is out- and-out indigenous. That makes it unique,” an ISRO official told The Hindu.
5: 10 p.m.: A bit of history as we wait for the launch...
The GSLV-MkII (the current Mk III's 'younger brother') was been under a developmental journey for nearly 20 years. Conversations with ISRO official reveal that not only was it a traumatic experience, but the Mk-II managed to pull down Mk-III by about five years. But why did it take so long?
5: 00 p.m.: Just how much do you know about the GSLV-Mark III?
The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark III ( GSLV-Mk III ), the heaviest rocket ever made by India is capable of launching four-tonne satellites in the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
Here are a few facts you need to know about the rocket.