President Mukherjee congratulates ISRO for successful launch of GSAT-18

New Delhi [India], Oct.6 (ANI): President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on the successful launch of India's latest communication satellite, GSAT-18. In a message to A.S. Kiran Kumar, Chairman of ISRO, the President said, "My heartiest congratulations to you and the entire team at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on India's latest communication satellite, GSAT-18 being successfully launched by Ariane 5 VA-231 launch vehicle from Kourou." "I understand that GSAT-18 carries 48 communication transponders in C-band, upper extended C-band and Ku-band. It will provide telecommunications services for the country by strengthening ISRO's current fleet of 14 operational telecommunication satellites," he added. Earlier this morning, GSAT-18 was successfully launched by a heavy duty rocket of Arianespace from the spaceport of Kourou in French Guiana. The European launcher Ariane-5 VA-231 blasted off at around 2 a.m. Indian Time and injected GSAT-18 into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, shortly after orbiting co-passenger Sky Muster II satellite for Australian operator, National Broadband Network. ISRO Chairman Kumar, who witnessed the launch from the mission control centre, said that GSAT-18 is an important satellite for India and will enable the continuity of the vital communication services in the country by replacing the currently ageing satellites. GSAT-18 is the 20th satellite from ISRO to be launched by the European space agency and the mission is the 280th for Arianespace launcher family. (ANI)