India's advanced communication satellite GSAT-8 was successfully launched into its geosynchronous transfer orbit by Arianespace's launch vehicle Ariane-5 from Kourou in French Guyana on early Saturday.

Weighing about 3100 Kg, GSAT-8 is configured to carry 24 high-power transponders and a two channel GPS-aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) payload. Once it was introduced into its intended orbit, ISRO's master control facility in Karnataka's Hassan took control of the satellite and placed it into the geostationary orbit. The satellite will be positioned at 55 degree E longitude and co-located with INSAT 3E satellite. Its designed in-orbit mission life is more than 12 years.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh congratulated the department of space for the
successful launch. Space secretary K Radhakrishnan confirmed that the launch had been successful, and the master control facility had taken over.