And yet again, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved another milestone to not only make the nation proud but also make it show off its growing prowess in space technology by launching its heaviest rocket — GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) Mark-III — until date.
ISRO was not only the first to discover water on the Southern hemisphere of the moon but also the first to launch a communication satellite for the benefit of the SAARC nation earlier last month. Today’s successful launch, where the cryogenic GSLV MK-III launch vehicle performed exceptionally well, adds to the agency’s growing list of achievements in a rather short span of time. This prepares the country for its upcoming missions, such as Chandrayaan-2 and a manned mission to space.
The GSLV Mark-III, which stands tall at 43.43 meters and weighs 640 tonnes, has already launched heavy payloads to the Earth’s orbit. But, it has now added another feather to its flooding cap with today’s launch of its heaviest payload until date, i.e. 3,136-kg (3.1 tonnes) GSAT-19 communications satellite. ISRO has placed this next-gen satellite close to 179 km above the Earth’s surface. The said rocket is smaller than its previous-generation but packs more power and experimental technologies.
The GSAT-19 next-gen communications satellite has a lifespan of around 10 years and is carrying along Ka and Ku-band multibeam payload. It has been coupled with several other payloads, including a Geostationary Radiation Spectrometer (GRASP) to analyze the nature of charged particles and the influence of space radiation of electronic components. Most of the rocket, as well as the satellite components such as lithium-ion batteries, have been developed indigenously.
And like always, our Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his heartiest congratulations to the complete ISRO team that worked on the GSLV Mark-III launch. This dream, which India initially saw back in the 90’s has finally come to fruition after more than twenty-three years. The high-thrust cryogenic rocket was able to successfully place one of the heaviest payloads to the Earth’s orbit — 179km above the surface. With regards to the same, PM Modi tweeted:
Congratulations to the dedicated scientists of ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV – MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2017
The GSLV – MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission takes India closer to the next generation launch vehicle and satellite capability. The nation is proud!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2017
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