The GSAT-12 satellite is functioning well and all operations are proceeding according to plan. Speaking to All India Radio this morning, ISRO spokesperson Satish said the satellite has been injected into the sub Geo synchronous Transfer Orbit with perigee, nearest point to the earth 284 kms and apogee, the farthest point from the earth 21,000 kms. He said the orbit will be raised over the next few days. Soon after the successful injection of GSAT-12 in the predetermined orbit on Friday, the Director, ISRO Satellite Centre Bangalore Dr. T.K. Alex told a press conference that the solar panels were automatically deployed and were generating power. He said the Master control Facility at Hassan also took control of the satellite and that the telemetry and telecommand systems were working well. He said the perigee of the satellite would be raised in a series of operations. Dr Alex said once the final orbit is attained, the payloads will be tested and operationalised.GSAT has an expected mission life of about eight years. The satellite with 12 Extended C-band transponders will augment the capacity in the INSAT system for various communication services like Tele-education, Telemedicine and for Village Resource Centres.The mission control centre at Sriharikota broke into a loud applause amid jubilation as the PSLV C-17 rocket blasted off in a easterly direction in perfect predetermined flight trajectory. About 1225 seconds after lift-off, GSAT-12 separated from the launch vehicle and was injected into the orbit. A few minutes later, a jubiliant ISRO Chairman Dr Radhakrishnan declared the launch successful. He said, the launch vehicle injected the satellite into orbit as planned.Dr. Radhakrishnan thanked Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh for the support lent to ISRO. He also read out a message from the Prime Minister congratulating the ISRO for the success. Governor of Chattisgarh Shekar Dutt and Minister of State in PMO V Narayanaswamy who were present in the mission control centre also congratulated the ISRO team for the success.