The successful launch of Indian Space Research Organisation’s communication satellite, GSAT 29, from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday marks the completion of the development stage of India’s heaviest launch vehicle, GSLV Mark III, referred to as ‘Bahubali’ because it has double the carrying capacity of its predecessor, GSLV Mark II. The communication satellite is expected to serve the communication needs of people in the remote areas of the country.
The rocket lifted off with a 3,423 kg GSAT-29 satellite, the heaviest satellite in Indian history. Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) chief K Sivan said, “It is an important milestone for the Indian Space Programme towards achieving self-reliance in launching heavier satellites.” The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-Mk III) is India’s most advanced and powerful rocket.
With its second successful flight, GSLV Mk III will be declared “operational”. The big tech increment in GSLV is its cryogenic engine, which uses liquefied gases to extract powerful thrust and its S200 solid core engine which is the world’s third largest. It was a cryogenic engine that powered Nasa’s Saturn V rocket, which took Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the moon.