NEW DELHI, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched a communication satellite GSAT-29 onboard Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle - GSLV Mark III Wednesday, officials said.
The satellite was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) in Sriharikota, off the Bay of Bengal coast located in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh at 5:08 p.m. local time.
"Mission accomplished! GSLV Mark III D2 launches GSAT29 satellite successfully," reads a statement issued by ISRO.
TV footage showed the rocket blasted off from the launch pad emitting a bright orange flame from its tail and moving upwards in the sky.
Officials said the high-throughput satellite will increase hi-speed communication facilities in the northeast, Indian-controlled Kashmir and far flung areas of India.
"GSAT-29 is a communication satellite weighing 3,423 kg," reads information released by ISRO. "It has been designed for a mission life of 10 years and carries Ka and Ku-band high throughput communication transponders intended to meet the communication requirements of users including those in remote areas."
Reports said this is the 67th launch from Sriharikota and the GSAT-29 is the 33rd communications satellite made by India.
ISRO Chairman Kailasavadivoo Sivan congratulated scientists of ISRO on the successful launch of the satellite.
