ISRO’s GSLV Launch To Carry A Satellite And India’s Hopes For Moon Mission

NEW DELHI: Countdown for the Indian Space Research Organisation’s big launch has started at Sriharikota. An indigenous weather satellite – the INSAT 3DR — is set to begin its journey tomorrow afternoon, piggybacking on the GSLV. But more than the satellite, it is the flight of GSLV that will be crucial for India.

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The lift-off will take place at 4.10 pm from the launch pad at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The success of GSLV (Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) is crucial for India since it will be the vehicle to launch the second mission to the moon — Chandrayaan-2 — next year.

A successful launch will also boost India’s efforts to make a dent in the multi-billion dollar commercial space launcher market.

The 415-tonne GSLV rocket, with its indigenous cryogenic engine, is being tested for the tenth time. This is its first operational launch.

The rocket is almost 49 meters high — as much as a 17-floor building. It weighs 415 tons — as much as the combined weight of 80 full grown elephants.

Rocket launches are still a very risky business, which became evident when the Falcon- 9 rocket by Space-X exploded on a launch pad in USA on September 1. Space-X a private company is owned by billionaire Ellon Musk, which is now experimenting with cheaper space launches.

The GSLV will be carrying the 2211-kg INSAT 3DR, which will eventually be placed in a geo-synchronous orbit 36,000 km above Earth.

What makes the INSAT 3DR special is its imaging capabilities for night-time pictures. It also carries on board a special search and rescue transponder, which will help in satellite-aided rescue operations.

Together, they represent an expenditure of Rs. 300 crore.

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Source:Ndtv