Karnataka CM hails ISRO for GSLV Mk-III launch

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for launching the heaviest rocket -- Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV Mark-III) and deploying its heaviest communicaiton satellite GSAT-19 on Monday.

"I am delighted to know that the Indian space agency has successfully launched its heaviest (640 ton) rocket with an indigenous cryogenic engine, carrying the heaviest (3.4 ton) satellite. I congratulate all its scientists, engineers and employees for achieving a rare feat in maiden attempt," said Siddaramaiah in a statement here.

India joined the elite space club to launch and deploy four-tonne class and above satellites in the geo-stationary orbit in the first attempt, with an indigenous cryogenic engine.

In a congratulatory message to ISRO Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar, who hails from Karnataka, Siddaramaiah said he was proud of the space agency, which is headquartered here and has many of its facilities for making satellites, telemetry and command control centre at Bylallu on the city's outksirts and the Master Control Facility at the state's Hassan.

--IANS

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