The communication satellite CMS-01 onboard Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle -- PSLV-C50 is launched from the second launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, off the Bay of Bengal coast located in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh on Dec. 17, 2020. The Indian space research organisation (ISRO) Thursday successfully launched a communication satellite CMS-01 onboard Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle -- PSLV-C50, officials said. (Str/Xinhua)

The Indian space research organisation ( ISRO) Thursday successfully launched a communication satellite CMS-01 onboard Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle -- PSLV-C50, officials said.

The satellite was launched from the second launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, off the Bay of Bengal coast located in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh at 3:41 p.m. (local time).

"I am happy to announce that CMS-01 successfully injected into orbit by PSLV-C50," Chairman ISRO, Kailasavadivoo Sivan said in his announcement immediately after the launch.

Television images show the rocket blasted off from the launch pad emitting a bright orange flame from its tail and moving upwards in the sky.

According to ISRO, CMS-01 is a communication satellite envisaged for providing services in Extended-C Band of the frequency spectrum.

"The Extended-C Band coverage will include Indian mainland, Andaman-Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands," a statement issued by ISRO said.

Officials said CMS-01 is the 42nd communication satellite of India.

"PSLV-C50 is the 22nd flight of PSLV in 'XL' configuration (with 6 strap-on motors)," the ISRO statement said.

Sivan congratulated the scientists of ISRO on the successful launch of the satellite.