INSAT-4A, India's most advanced and powerful broadcast and communication satellite, was successfully placed into its intermediate orbit Friday, a day after its launch.

The satellite was doing well and all systems on board were functioning normally, a spokesman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) here said.

"The first critical orbit-raising exercise was conducted successfully earlier in the day", he said.

The satellite, which is expected to revolutionise TV broadcasting directly to the home and improve the entertainment scenario in India, will be placed in its final position by Dec 26.

Further orbit-raising manoeuvres will be carried out over the next two days, the spokesman said.

The satellite was launched from Kourou, French Guyana and had started sending signals within 30 minutes.

On Dec 26, the two solar panels and three antennas on board will be opened after the satellite reaches its final position. The solar arrays will generate 5,500 watts of power.

The payloads comprising 12 Ku-band and 12 C-band transponders will be tested to make them operational over the next 30-40 days.

INSAT-4A will then enable broadcasters to offer direct-to-home (DTH) television service.

The 1.9-ton satellite will be positioned along with INSAT-2E and INSAT-3B.

The launch of INSAT-4A is considered an important milestone in the history of ISRO.