Read original article on The Economic Times or read some of the key points below;
- Indian Space Research Organisation, today, launched its monster rocket, Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III), with 3,136 kg communication satellite GSAT-19 from the spaceport of Sriharikota, in Andhra Pradesh. The launch will give India self-reliance in delivering large payloads and also prepare the country for its attempt to put astronauts into space.
- The GSLV MkIII-D1 carried payloads of up to 4,000 kg into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and 10,000 kg into the Low Earth Orbit. The rocket was developed for 15 years at a cost of around Rs 300 crore.
- The rocket’s main and bigger cryogenic engine was developed by space scientists indigenously. It will help India get a greater share of the multi-billion dollar global space market and reduce dependency on international launching vehicles.
- The 43.43 metre tall, 640 ton rocket, will, just over 16 minutes into its flight, sling the GSAT-19 at its intended orbit at an altitude of 179 km.
- The satellite, which has a life span of 10 years, also features certain advanced spacecraft technologies including miniaturised heat pipe, a fibre optic gyro, micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer, Ku-band TTC transponder, as well an indigenous lithium-ion battery.
