NEW DELHI, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Saturday launched new weather satellite INSAT-3DS into orbit, officials said.
The meteorological satellite, aboard a Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F14) rocket, took off from Sriharikota in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh at 5:35 p.m. local time.
"The vehicle has successfully placed the satellite into the intended geosynchronous transfer orbit," ISRO said in a brief statement posted on social media.
According to ISRO, the satellite is designed for enhanced meteorological observations, and monitoring of land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster warning.
"The satellite will augment the meteorological services along with the presently operational INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR satellites," ISRO said.
Television images showed 51.7-meter GSLV-F14 rocket blasting off from the launch pad leaving behind thick fumes and then emitting a bright orange flame from its tail and moving upward in the sky.
The satellite weighing 2,274 kg would serve various departments under the federal ministry of earth sciences including the India Meteorological Department. ■
