Thanks to a clear sky, probably for the first time satellite-watchers saw the separation of the first stage as well as the second stage high up in the sky.
The Saral (Satellite with ARgos and ALtika), an Isro-CNES (France) joint venture, was the primary satellite on the rocket.
Saral was placed in an orbit 789.63 km above the earth, 1077.72 seconds after lift-off. Another satellite, Sapphire, was injected into orbit at 790.72 kilometres and the others followed with one kilometre separating them.
Mr Mukherjee, who witnessed the launch from the Mission Control Room, said, “I congratulate the Indian Space Research Organisation for successfully executing this mission. I am confident that the Saral satellite will function as planned and perform as designed and serve the intended applications.
“The PSLV has become a household name in our country and this mission will only reaffirm this position through its efficacy, accuracy and reliability.”
He congratulated the French space agency CNES for wholeheartedly participating in this collaborative mission. He said that the entire nation is eagerly looking forward to the successful flight of the Geo-Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), with the Indigenous Cryogenic Stage.
The planned experimental mission of GSLV Mark 3 is a huge step forward in the development of heavy-lift space transportation system in the country, he added.
A jubilant Isro chairman K. Radhakrishnan introduced the scientists who worked on the PSLV mission to the President.
Andhra Pradesh governor E.S.L. Narasimhan, chief minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, finance minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy, MLC Vakati Narayana Reddy and Nellore legislator M. Sreedharkrishna Reddy were among those present at the launch.