For the first time in the history of the Indian Space Research Organisation, three senior women scientists monitored and carried out crucial manoeuvres of the communication satellite GSAT-12 which was launched on Friday.

Project Director of GSAT-12 T K Anuradha, Mission Director Pramodha Hegde and Operations Director K S Anuradha, have been with ISRO for over two decades. An elated T K Anuradha said every activity of the satellite was "challenging" and the next few days would be very crucial.