India’s most powerful rocket aced its second orbital flight on Wednesday, preparing for a robotic lunar mission in January.
The Indian Space Research Organization (IRSO) launched the rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Center, successfully delivering a communications satellite into orbit.
According to ISRO Chairman K. Sivan, “India has achieved a significant milestone with [their] heaviest launcher lifting off the heaviest satellite from Indian soil.” Indian officials declared the rocket ready for operation, starting with the launch of a lunar lander scheduled for January 30th.