New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will test-fly its heaviest rocket GSLV-Mk III today at 9:30am from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
This rocket is conceived to make India completely self reliant in launching heavier communication satellites of INSAT-4 class, which weighs 4500 to 5000 kg. It would also enhance the capability of the country to be a competitive player in the multimillion dollar commercial launch market.
It is designed to be a three stage vehicle, with 42.4 m tall with a lift off weight of 630 tonnes.
”There will be a crew module as a dummy payload and cryogenic engine for weight simulation. The experimental flight with the crew module in a spacecraft will test whether its heat shield can survive very high temperatures during its re-entry into the atmosphere,” said Dr Kiran Kumar Director of Space Applications Centre.
The success of the module will be a step forward towards a future Human Space Project.
This comes less than three months after ISRO successfully launched Mangalyaan – a spacecraft orbiting Mars, thereby propelling India into the elite league of nations that have successfully sent missions to Mars.
