NEW DELHI - India Thursday launched its advanced weather satellite INSAT-3DR from the spaceport of Sriharikota in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh.

The take-off of Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), carrying the 2211-kg satellite, took place at 4:50 pm after a delay of 40 minutes over an anomaly.

The satellite is special for its imaging capabilities for night-time photos. It also carries a special search and rescue transponder, which will help in satellite-aided rescue operations.

The success of GSLV is crucial for the state-owned Indian Space Research Organisation since it will be the vehicle to launch the second moon mission - Chandrayaan 2 next year.