The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has postponed the launch of its heaviest rocket GSLV Mk-III to March-April this year.
According to a report in Deccan Chronicle, the GSLV Mk-III launch, tentatively scheduled for January 20, has been postponed as some tests to be conducted on the vehicle are still pending.
The rocket will now be launched in March or April after completion of these tests.
“Some more tests are planned for the vehicle and the stage level tests also got delayed. Now, these tests will be conducted this month. If any issues arise during the tests we will correct them,” K Sivan, director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram told Deccan Chronicle.
The GSLV Mk-III rocket will launch the 3.2 tonne GSAT-19 satellite.
The high altitude test for GSLV Mk-III’s large cryogenic engine CE-20 was successfully conducted in December.
In addition to GSLV Mk-III, ISRO is also planning to launch the SAARC satellite with GSLV Mk-II rocket in March-April.
“We are planning to launch both the GSLV Mk-III and GSLV Mk-II rockets in March and April. Maybe one will be launched in March and another one in April depending on the availability of the launch pad,” K Sivan added.
ISRO is also planning to launch a record number of 103 satellites using its PSLV rocket next month.
“The PSLV-C37 rocket will launch 103 micro-small satellites during the second week of February,” K Sivan told Deccan Chronicle.
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