In a game-changer mission, ISRO to launch its powerful rocket GSLV-Mk III on June 5

CHENNAI:  In what could be seen as a ‘game-changer’ mission in space technology, the Indian Space Research Organisation will launch its most powerful and heaviest rocket GSLV-Mark III,  carrying the communication satellite GSAT-19 from the spaceport of Sriharikota on June five.

The 3,136 kg GSAT-19 would be the heavieast communication  satellite to be launched by ISRO.

The launch would take place at 1728 hrs from the Second Launch Pad and the GSLV would be using the indigenous Cryogenic Upper  Stage.

Prior to the launch, the Launch Authorisation Board and the Mission Readiness Committee would meet to clear the mission  after which the countdown would begin, for filling of propellants in the three stage vehicle.

Both the rocket and the satellite were fully indigenous and developed by the Indian Space agency.

Once this launch was successful, Indian need not rely on foreign launchers to launch its heaviest satellites, weighing about four tonnes, to geostationary orbits of 36,000 km.

The GSLV Mark-III was seen as a “game-changer” mission in  space technology as India could have indigenous launches of  bigger satellites without depending on foreign countries to place satellites weighing four tonnes, double the weight the current GSLV-Mark II would carry.

It would be a very advanced vehicle. The satellite was also  very advanced.

ISRO sources said GSLV-Mk III was capable launching four  ton class of satellites to Geosynchronous Transfer orbit (GTO).

It is a three-stage vehicle with two solid motor strap-ons  (S200), a liquid propellant core stage (L110) and a cryogenic  stage (C25).

GSLV-Mk III-D1 is the first developmental flight, carrying  GSAT-19 satellite to a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

The vehicle is configured with a 5 m give payload fairing  and slanted strap-on nose cone to provide aerodynamic  robustness.

The GSAT-19 satellite, with a lift-off mass of 3136 kg, is  the communication satellite of India, configured around the  ISRO’s standard I-3K bus.

GSAT-19 carries Ka/Ku-band high throughput communication  transponders.

Besides, it carries a Geostationary Radiation Spectrometer  (GRASP) payload to monitor and study the nature of charged  particles and the influence of space radiation on satellites  and their electronic components.        GSAT-19 also features certain advanced spacecraft  technologies including miniaturised heat pipe, fibre  optic gyro, Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)  accelerometer, Ku-band TTC transponder, as well an  indigenous Lithium-ion Battery.

(AGENCIES)