ISRO set to launch GSLV Mark-III

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is scheduled to launch the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark-III from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday at 9.30 a.m.

The countdown process for the test launch of India's heaviest and next generation rocket GSLV Mark III has been progressing smoothly and the stage has been set for the crew module atmospheric re-entry experiment.

This will be the first time that such an exercise will be conducted by the ISRO scientists.

The GSLV mark III weighs 630 tonnes and it will be powered by liquid and solid fuel engines while the cryogenic engine at the top will be filled with liquid nitrogen.

According to reports, this experimental mission, will cost Rs. 155 crores, and will not carry any other satellite.

Earlier this month, ISRO had placed GSAT-16 in orbit by Ariane 5 rocket, from the spaceport of Kourou in French Guiana. The satellite was launched into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

Ariane 5 had also launched the satellite's co-passenger DIRECTV-14 which is aimed at providing direct-to-home television broadcasts across the United States.