Biggest achievement for ISRO, India: Space scientist on GSLV Mk III launch

In the wake of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) carrying out the successful launch of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III), space scientist C.B. Devgan said that it was the biggest achievement for both - the ISRO and India.

"The successful launching of GSLV is the biggest achievement for the ISRO and India. Earlier, this technology was not available to us, because of the sanctions but now we have done this on our own. This makes the ISRO very proud, because now onwards, any satellite which we has to be placed in the orbit will be done by us," Devgan told ANI.

The ISRO yesterday launched its most powerful rocket GSLV Mk III carrying GSAT-19 communication satellite from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Former ISRO Scientist, Nambi Narayanan said, "We are glad on its launch. It is a three stage vehicle and has four tones of capability and post 10 tones in lower orbit. It's is a big milestone for all of us, we also wish more clients to come".

ISRO Chief Kiran Kumar also lauded his entire team who worked on the project.

GSLV-Mk III was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Center at 5:28 pm.

The rocket is carrying 3,136-kilogram weighed GSAT-19 communication satellite and will place it a distance of 36,000 km from earth.

The rocket was developed for 15 years at a cost of around Rs. 300 crore.

Dubbed by the scientists as the "Monster Rocket", it has the capability to launch satellites as heavy as 4 tonnes, i.e. 4000 kilograms.

Currently, India has to take the help of foreign countries if it wants to launch communication satellites beyond 2.3 tons.

With this India will be in the elite club of launching a heavy satellite. So far, the United States, Russia, Europe, China and Japan have achieved this feat.

The rocket is powered by an indigenous cryogenic engine that uses liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen as propellants.

The flight's launch is expected to boost India's assertions of putting humans into space.

Reportedly, the ISRO has asked for Rs. 12,500 crore from the Centre for its mission to place humans in space. If approved, the work is expected to take roughly seven years.

The premiere space agency has already developed critical technologies for a human space mission. The space suit is ready and a crew module was tested in 2014.