Sriharikota: Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)-D2 took off from the Satish Dhawan spaceport at Sriharikota at 4.58 pm on May 8.

Carrying a 1800-kg experimental communication satellite GSAT-2, the second developmental flight of India's GSLV-D2 soared into the azure sky majestically from the spindle-shaped island off Bay of Bengal.

Nearly 17 minutes after the lift-off, the satellite is expected to be injected into a Geo-synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

A battery of scientists, engineers and technicians, who toiled hard for the most technologically challenging project undertaken so far under the Indian Space Programme, were overwhelmed with excitement and joy when the 49-metre high, three-stage vehicle, weighing 414 tonnes, soared into the sky, leaving behind columns of fire and fumes.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman, Dr K Kasturirangan, congratulated and hugged his colleagues as the vehicle rose skyward in perfect clock-like precision.

The Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) project has the objective of acquiring launch capability for Geo-synchronous satellites. The first developmental flight (GSLV-D1) was successfully conducted on April 18, 2001 when a 1,540 kg experimental satellite, GSAT- 1, was placed in a GTO.

The GSLV-D2 is the second developmental test flight of the vehicle, in which a heavier satellite, 1800 KG GSAT-2, would be placed into the Geo-synchronous Transfer Orbit of 180 km perigee (nearest point to Earth) and 36,000 km apogee (farthest point to Earth).

Higher payload has been achieved by incorporating enhanced propellant loading in core solid motor, high-pressure engine in liquid propellant strap-on motors and in second stage of the vehicle, and optimisation of structural elements.

PTI