The 44.4-metre long vehicle, which lifted off from the SHAR Centre at 11.52 am, injected the IRS-P4 (Oceansat) into the orbit 1110.10 seconds later. In 50-second gaps, the Korean satellite Kitsat-3 and the German DLR-Tubsat were also put in place, accomplishing the mission.

This was ``the most flawless launch we ever had,'' Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman K Kasturirangan said; the only exception was an increase in velocity by 30 metres/second during the penultimate stage. This was corrected immediately and the Oceansat was injected about seven seconds before the scheduled time.

Speaking soon after the launch, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee -- who was in the control room at the time of the launch -- said this was a day of pride for Indianscience. ``India's space programme, which has been going from strength to strength, has scaled a new height of global excellence.'' If that seemed a bit formal, the scene at the mission control room did not.

There was vigorous shaking of hands between scientists and engineers at the successful end of every stage. The brains behind the mission, who remained glued to the monitors showing the trajectory-altitude scale, broke into an instantaneous applause as the Oceansat was separated and injected into the orbit about 18 minutes after the lift-off.

Vajpaye went around shaking hands and, when he came to Kasturirangan, gave him a tight, long embrace. Even the otherwise sombre mediapersons could not help joining the applause. The ISRO chairman was obviously excited, at times struggling for words, even as the Prime Minister was seen wiping his face.

``Personally for me, it was very thrilling to be here and watch the mighty engines of the rocket roar and send it hurtling into space. It renewed my confidence inthe strength and capabilities of our people... The teamwork and pursuit of excellence as shown by a mission like this, ensures our country a confident entry into the next millenium,'' Vajpayee said.