GSLV MkIII-D1

Context

• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its heaviest launch vehicle, GSLV MkIII-D1.
• GSLV Mk III is a new, improved and powerful version of the GSLV rockets developed by ISRO.
• It features an indigenously developed cryogenic engine.
• GSAT-19 satellite was launched by GSLV Mk III-D1 on Monday, June 05, 2017.
• GSAT-19 is India’s heaviest satellite till date.
• It was placed into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
• It will take about two to three weeks to be placed in its intended orbit.Design and technology
  • ISRO has used indigenous cryogenic engines on earlier GSLV flights
  • However, modeled them mainly on the Russian design.
  • On this latest GSLV no technological element was borrowed or adapted from any other space organization

   Significance and Opportunities

  • The spacecraft is expected to open up a lot of new vistas in the field of Internet and broadband connectivity.
  • It will open up business opportunities for ISRO to launch heavy satellites for foreign customers.
  • It will reduce dependence on foreign space organizations such as Arianespace SA.

   

  Future Plans of ISRO

  • There are two launches coming up.
  • However, those will happen from Ariane in French Guiana.
  • The first one is scheduled for June 28, is GSAT 18, a 3.3-tonne satellite.
  • The second one is a 5.8-ton satellite.
  • Work is on to launch two approved missions — Aditya-L1 and Chandrayaan-II .
  • The launch is expected to take place in next two years.