The GSLV Mk III, in the course of its first development flight, delivered the GSAT-19 satellite — the heaviest launched from Indian soil — to a geosynchronous transfer orbit following the launch at 5:28 pm. The GSLV Mk III, in the course of its first development flight, delivered the GSAT-19 satellite — the heaviest launched from Indian soil — to a geosynchronous transfer orbit following the launch at 5:28 pm. “GSLV Mk III D1 successfully launches GSAT 19,’’ ISRO tweeted shortly after the launch. Following the 1998 nuclear tests and sanctions imposed by the US on dual use technologies, the cryogenic technology was denied by the US. In the absence of heavy lift rocket technology, India has been relying on France for launching its communication satellites.

Source: Indian Express June 05, 2017 16:00 UTC