Posted: Mon, Sep 20, 2004, 2:08 PM ET (1808 GMT)
An Indian GSLV rocket successfully launched Monday a communications satellite devoted to educational purposes. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle GSLV-F01 lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Center SHAR in Sriharikota at 6:31 am EDT (1031 GMT, 4:01 pm local time) Monday. The payload, the EDUSAT communications satellite, separated from the GSLV's upper stage nearly 17 minutes later after entering a geosynchronous transfer orbit. The satellite, built by ISRO, weighs 1,950 kg and carries 6 Ku-band and 6 C-band transponders. The satellite will be positioned at 74 degrees east longitude and will be dedicated to providing distance learning and other educational applications. The launch was the third for the GSLV and the first operational flight, after a pair of test flights carrying experimental satellites in 2001 and 2003.

Related Links:

•  BBC article
•  AFP article
•  Reuters article
•  PTI article
•  ISRO press release