The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said the satellite, GSAT-2, was placed in the geostationary orbit, synchronised with the spinning of the earth.

"All systems on board GSAT-2 satellite are functioning well," the ISRO said in a statement.

The GSAT-2 satellite has seven transponders and four piggyback experimental payloads including a solar X-ray spectrometer and a radio beacon experiment to investigate the ionosphere.

The 1,825-kilogramme (4,015-pound) satellite was launched on May 8, in what was considered a milestone in India's march towards self-reliance in space launches.

India is eyeing the lucrative satellite launch market and officials say the launch vehicle would be declared commercially operational after one more test flight within a year.

SPACE.WIRE