India launches its heaviest satellite

NEW DELHI, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- India Saturday successfully launched its heaviest satellite -- GSAT-10, weighing 3,400 kg -- from French Guiana, the state-owned space agency said.

"The launch vehicle lifted off at 2.48 a.m. (Indian Standard Time) after a smooth countdown lasting 11 hours and 30 minute," the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) said in a release.

The communication satellite carried 30 transponders and a component of navigation system Gagan into space. ISRO used the European Space Agency's Ariane-5 rocket to launch the satellite which will be ready for use by November.

"The satellite is in good health," the statement said.