The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Thursday launched India's heaviest rocket, the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark III from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
This is the first time that such an exercise has been conducted by the ISRO scientists.
The GSLV Mark III weighs 630 tonnes and is powered by liquid and solid fuel engines while the cryogenic engine at the top is filled with liquid nitrogen.
According to reports, this experimental mission cost Rs. 155 crores, and hasn't carried any other satellite.
Earlier this month, ISRO had placed GSAT-16 in orbit by Ariane 5 rocket, from the spaceport of Kourou in French Guiana. The satellite was launched into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
Ariane 5 had also launched the satellite's co-passenger DIRECTV-14 which is aimed at providing direct-to-home television broadcasts across the United States.