Update: the GSLV MK III D1 successfully launched. The new satellite that will go into orbit will cover all of India and is expected to increase internet speed and connectivity.

Something else is going up today, besides the markets: its the ISRO rocket launch takes place today evening. The ISRO is launching its heaviest rocket till date, the GSLV-MkIII D1, which is carrying a 3,136 kg communication satellite from Sriharikota.

The 25-and-half hour countdown began yesterday at 3.58 pm and was “progressing normally” according to officials. The rocket is scheduled for a lift off at 5.28 pm from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, which is about 350 kms from Bangalore. Until now, ISRO has had to depend on foreign launchers for launching communication satellites weighing more than 2,300 kg. The GSLV MkIII-D1 is however capable of lifting payloads of up to 4,000 kg into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and 10,000 kg into the Low Earth Orbit.

This marks a landmark for ISRO: while the company will still be dependent on foreign launchers to some extent, development of this domestic capability will allow it to move faster and more cost-effectively for satellite launches.