Narendra Modi Congratulates Isro on Successful Satellite Launch

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) for the successful launch of its PSLV variant that put five British satellites into orbit, saying it was a moment of "immense pride" for India.

"Successful launch of PSLV with five UK satellites is a moment of immense pride and joy for India. Congratulations to the Isro team," he said.

India successfully put into orbit five British satellites with its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle's XL variant (PSLV-XL) on Friday night in copy book style.

The rocket blasted off from the first launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

This was the first commercial mission for Isro in 2015.

(Also see:  Isro Plans Slew of Launches, Including 28 Foreign Satellites)

Exactly at 9.58pm IST, the PSLV-XL rocket, standing 44.4 metres tall and weighing around 320 tonnes, with a one way ticket tore into the night skies bearing fierce orange flames on its tail.

The expendable rocket carrying five British satellites cumulatively weighing around 1,440kg as its luggage slung them into their intended orbit just over 19 minutes into its flight.

A.S. Kiran Kumar, Isro Chairman, said: "An entirely successful launch for a customer. This time a set of new tool was developed. Five satellites were put into orbit for a customer."

It was the heaviest commercial mission for the PSLV rocket till date though its total carrying capacity for such a mission is around 1,750kg.