ISRO to Launch GSLV MK III in December
On 30th October 2014, ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan announced that the experimental mission of Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV-MK III) will take place in the first half of December.
Date of the launch is not yet fixed because of the three reasons:
- Preparedness of the vehicle.
- Certain analysis and reconfirmation is yet to be done for the new vehicle.
- Weather: from October middle to first week of December the weather conditions are not good because of the cyclonic storms are so frequent.
About Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mark-III)
- ISRO has developed the geo-synchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV-Mark I-III) with indigenous cryogenic engine
- The main function of GSLV Mark-III is for Mid-Heavy Lift Launch System.
- Objective: To launch heavy satellites weighing more than two tonnes into geostationary orbit 36,000 km above Earth.
- It will allow India to become less dependent on foreign rockets for heavy lifting.
- GSLV Mark-III comprises of three stage vehicle with a first stage consisting of two identical large solid boosters strapped onto the second liquid stage. The third stage is a cryogenic stage.
ISRO’s flight development plans
- First development flight (GSLV MK III D1) with an operational cryogenic stage is planned in between 2016 to 2017.
- Second development flight (GSLV Mk-III D2) is planned after one year of GSLV Mk-III D1 flight in 2017 to 2018.
- Successful flight development will help in India’s manned mission to space.
- The 630-tonne GSLV-MK III will carry a crew module of 3.65-tonne. ISRO plans to send astronauts into space eventually.
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Month: Current Affairs - November, 2014