New Delhi [India], Oct. 6 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists for the successful launch of communication satellite GSAT-18 and said that it was another 'milestone' in country's space programme.
"Congratulations to @isro for successfully launching the communication satellite GSAT-18. This is another milestone for our space programme," Prime Minister Modi tweeted. GSAT-18 was this morning successfully launched by a heavy duty rocket of Arianespace from the spaceport of Kourou in French Guiana.
The European launcher Ariane-5 VA-231 blasted off at around 2 a.m. Indian Time and injected GSAT-18 into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, shortly after orbiting co-passenger Sky Muster II satellite for Australian operator, National Broadband Network.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman AS Kiran Kumar, who witnessed the launch from the mission control centre, said that GSAT-18 is an important satellite for India and will enable the continuity of the vital communication services in the country by replacing the currently ageing satellites.
GSAT-18 is the 20th satellite from ISRO to be launched by the European space agency and the mission is the 280th for Arianespace launcher family.
Source: ANI
