PM Narendra Modi congratulates ISRO scientists for successful launch of GSLV Mark III

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) scientists for successfully launching the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark-III from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

The Prime Minister took to twitter to extend his congratulations. "Successful launch of GSLV Mk-III is yet another triumph of brilliance and hardwork of our scientists,Congrats to ISRO for the efforts," he wrote.

Successful launch of GSLV Mk-III is yet another triumph of brilliance & hardwork of our scientists. Congrats to them for the efforts. @isro

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 18, 2014

This is the first time that such an exercise has been conducted by the ISRO scientists. The GSLV Mark III weighs 630 tonnes and is powered by liquid and solid fuel engines while the cryogenic engine at the top is filled with liquid nitrogen.

According to reports, this experimental mission cost Rs. 155 crores, and hasn't carried any other satellite. Earlier this month, ISRO had placed GSAT-16 in orbit by Ariane 5 rocket, from the spaceport of Kourou in French Guiana. The satellite was launched into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

Ariane 5 had also launched the satellite's co-passenger DIRECTV-14 which is aimed at providing direct-to-home television broadcasts across the United States.