Dear Readers,
Today in this post, we will discuss about ISRO’s new feat, launch of GSLV Mk III. You can also go through the previous articles of this series to stay updated in the field of current awareness.
New feat of ISRO
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) launched its heaviest rocket, GSLV Mk III. The launch of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark III (GSLV-Mk III) was accompanied by communications satellite GSAT - 19.
Here are the major highlights of this launch -
- The rocket weighs 640 tonnes and is 43.43 metres tall.
- It was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
- GSLV Mk III carried GSAT - 19 communication satellite which weighed 3136 kgs.
- The satellite was placed in orbit after about 16 minutes of the launch at an altitude of approximately 179 kilometres above Earth’s surface.
- The launch of first developmental flight of GSLV Mk - III, is expected to pave way for ISRO’s manned mission.
- Satellite GSAT - 19 has a total life span of 10 years. It is expected to enhance the telecommunications and internet services.
- GSLV Mk - III has been nicknamed ‘FatBoy’.
- Indigenously designed cryogenic engine, CE-20 propelled the satellite before ejecting it into its orbit.
- A. S. Kiran Kumar, Chairman of ISRO, has described this accomplishment as a step towards self - reliance for India, for the launch of heavy satellites.
Quick Bytes -
- This launch was crucial since ISRO hasn’t been very lucky in its maiden rocket launches in the past. Here is the list -1. 1979 - Satellite Launch Vehicle - 3 (SLV - 3) launch failed.2. 1993 - Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle carrying IRS-1E satellite failed due to software error.3. The initial launches of GSLV have ended in failure numerous times. There have been 5 successful launches out of the total 11 launches by GSLV.
- PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) has had a total of 39 successful launches.
- GSLV has the capacity to carry payload of approximately 4000 kgs and put the satellite in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. The rocket is also capable of carrying a maximum payload of 10000 kg and put it in Lower Earth Orbit.
About ISRO -
- India's space agency, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) was established on 15th August 1969, in place of Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR).
- INCOSPAR was founded in 1962, with the combined efforts of Scientist Vikram Sarabhai and India's first Prime Minister, Jawahar Lal Nehru.
- Department of Space manages ISRO, which has its headquarters in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Vision of ISRO is to harness space technology for national development, while pursuing space science research and planetary exploration
- Aryabhata, which was launched in 1975 by Soviet Union, was the first Indian Satellite build by ISRO.
- A. S. Kiran Kumar is the Current Chairman of ISRO.
All the best for your exams..
Team aimsuccess..!!
