The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk III lifted off from the Sriharikota space centre, around 120km from Chennai in Tamil Nadu, at 5.28pm (1158 GMT), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said. The United States, Russia, China, Japan and European Space Agency have launched satellites weighing over three tonnes. Till now, ISRO had to depend on foreign launchers for communication satellites weighing more than 2,300 kg. Earlier, ISRO had launched the 3,404 kg GSAT-18 communication satellite from Ariane, French Guiana. The GSLV-Mk III-D1 is a three-stage vehicle with indigenous cryogenic upper stage engine designed to carry heavier communication satellites into the GTO.

Source: The Telegraph June 05, 2017 12:22 UTC