India launched its heaviest ever communication satellite on Sunday, the latest step in the country's ambitious space programme.

The CMS-03 satellite blasted off from Sriharikota in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh at 5:26 pm (1156 GMT).

"Our space sector continues to make us proud!" said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who wants to send an Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.

Weighing about 4,410 kilograms (9,722 pounds), it is "the heaviest communication satellite" launched in the country, the Indian Space Research Organisation said Thursday.

The Indian Navy said the satellite would help "secure communication links between ships, aircraft, submarines".

The CMS-03 satellite was sent into orbit from the towering 43.5 metre (143 foot) tall LVM3-M5 launch vehicle.

It is an upgraded v

See Full Page