Sriharikota: ISRO's heavy-lift rocket GSLV-MkIII-D2 blasted off just minutes ago carrying India's latest communication satellite GSAT-29 onboard.

The 27-hour countdown for the launch began at 2.50 pm Tuesday and the rocket blasted off at 5.08 pm from the spaceport at Sriharikota over 100 km from Chennai. 

The 3,423 kg GSAT-29 carries Ka and Ku band high throughput transponders intended to meet communication requirements of users, including in the North East and in Jammu and Kashmir.

The satellite is scheduled to be injected into a geosynchronous orbit, 18 minutes after lift-off.

Cyclone Gaja had clouded the launch plans but with it changing course and conducive weather conditions prevailing, the rocket blasted off on schedule.

About GSLV MK-III

GSLV MkIII is a three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle developed by ISRO. The vehicle has two solid strap-ons as first stage, a liquid propellant core as second stage and a cryogenic as third stage. GSLV Mk III is designed to carry 4 ton class of satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) or about 10 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which is about twice the capability of GSLV Mk II.

About GSAT-29 Communication Satellite

GSAT-29 is a communication satellite weighing 3423 kg. The spacecraft will be located at 55 °E longitude and designed for a mission life of 10 years.

Salient Features

- High Throughput Communication Satellite
- Connectivity to Remote Areas
- Q/V-Band Payload
- High Resolution Imaging from GEO
- Optical Communication Technology

GSAT-29 carries Ka/Ku-band high throughput communication transponders intended to meet the communication requirements of users including those in remote areas. In addition, several new technologies such as Q/V-band payload, data transmission through optical communication link will be demonstrated. This will help in realising future advanced satellites.

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