Bystanders looking on as the Indian Space Research Organisation's (Isro) satellite INSAT-3DR, on board Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle GSLV-F05, launched from Sriharikota, an island off the Bay of Bengal coast in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, yesterday.

The 2,211kg satellite has advanced night-time imaging capabilities and includes a special search-and- rescue transponder that will assist in satellite-aided rescae operations.

The success of the GSLV launch was crucial for Isro, as the vehicle will be used to launch the country's second moon mission - Chandrayaan 2 - next year.