India today successfully launched its state-of-the-art communications satellite GSAT-12 using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C17 from its launching pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sri Hari Kota near Sulluru peta in AP.
After the end of a 53-hour countdown, the ISRO’s top-notch PSLV-C17 lifted off into skies majestically at the pre-determined 4.48 pm and injected the 1,410 kg GSAT-12 into the intended orbit 20 minutes later.
ISRO Chairman K. Radhakrishnan, who had the darshan of Lord Shiva in the famed Sri Kalahasteeswara temple in Sri Kalahasti of Chittor district on Thursday and offered prayers seeking success of the launch, said he was extremely happy with the success.
As the PSLV zoomed into the space leaving thick columns of orange and yellow smoke for the 18th time in succession, scientists and engineers broke into cheers and hugged each other as a mark of celebration.
The GSAT-12 communication satellite would go round the earth at 284 km perigee and 21,000 km apogee, the closest and farthest points from Earth respectively.
