GSLV blast-off

GSLV blast-off

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has launched its Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-D5), powered by an indigenous cryogenic engine, effortlessly put the 1,982-kg GSAT-14 communication satellite in orbit after 17 minutes of flight, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh), Jan, 5.

The mission of GSLV has become reality after two such rocket launches failed in 2010, thus joining the elite club of the U.S., Russia, France, Japan and China who have mastered this perilous technology of using cryogenic propellants.

India can now put heavy communication satellites into higher orbits, fly manned missions and send interplanetary missions.