India on Thursday successfully launched its latest generation vehicle GSLV Mk III, also carrying the 'Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota.

Exactly 5.4 minutes after lift off at 9.30 AM from the Second Launch Pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre here, the module separated from the rocket at an altitude of 126 km and re-entered Earth's atmosphere (about 80 km from sea level).

It descended in a ballistic mode and splashed down into the Bay of Bengal, some 180 km from Indira Point, the southern tip of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The LVM3-X flight with active S200 and L110 propulsion stages and a passive C25 stage with dummy engine, carried CARE (Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment) as its payload.

Also read: Here is a list of ISRO's hits and misses with GSLV

Speaking after the launch, ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan said, "GSLV Mark-III test flight mission successful. It is a significant day in India's space history."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV Mk-III. The Prime Minister tweeted, " Successful launch of GSLV Mk-III is yet another triumph of brilliance and hardwork of our scientists"

Successful launch of GSLV Mk-III is yet another triumph of brilliance & hardwork of our scientists. Congrats to them for the efforts. @isro — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 18, 2014

GSLV Mk III is conceived and designed to make ISRO fully self-reliant in launching heavier communication satellites of INSAT-4 class, which weigh 4,500 to 5,000 kg. It would also enhance India's capability to be a competitive player in the multi-million dollar commercial launch market.

While the rocket cost ISRO Rs 140 crore, the crew module has taken another Rs 15 crore.

The 630-tonne GSLV-Mk III carried the 3.65 tonne crew module even as the national space agency is equipping itself for its plan of sending astronauts into space eventually.

The Indian government has not approved any human mission to space presently. Realisation of 42.4 metre tall GSLV Mk-III would help ISRO place heavier satellites into orbit.

Live Updates:

* Heat shield separated successfully.

* Next generation vehicle GSLV Mk III Lift off normal

* CARE module separated and started its descent. Module in its tense atmospheric re-entry.

* Main parachutes of the CARE module deployed successfully.

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