ISRO to flight-test heavier GSLV-MK III rocket next year
09 Apr 2013
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will flight-test the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark III (GSLV-Mk III), its heaviest rocket so far, on an experimental flight next year.
The first of the heavy-duty rockets is expected to take to the sky next January on an experimental flight whose later versions could be used to send humans on space missions, ISRO said.
The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark III (GSLV-Mk III), a launch vehicle currently under development by the ISRO, would be used to put in orbit heavier communication satellites weighing up to five tones and pack more transponders.
It would also enhance the capability of the country to be a competitive player in the multimillion dollar commercial launch market. The vehicle envisages multi-mission launch capability for GTO, LEO, Polar and intermediate circular orbits, ISRO said in a web site release.
GSLV-Mk III is designed to be a three-stage vehicle, with a height of 42.4 metres and a lift off weight of 630 tonnes.
The first stage comprises two identical S200 large solid booster that uses 200 tonne solid propellant that are strapped on to the second stage, the L110 re-startable liquid stage. The third stage is the C25 LOX/LH2 cryo stage. The large payload fairing measures 5 m in diameter and can accommodate a payload volume of 100 cu m.
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