ISRO Successfully Test-fires GSLV Mark-III

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) today successfully launched its heaviest rocket ever—the three-stage Geo-Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mark-III)—with an experimental crew module. With this, the Indian space agency will now be able to send astronauts to explore deep dark web of outer space.

The 630-tonne rocket and human crew module of ISRO were lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota exactly at 9:30 am (IST). Few minutes after this, the crew module separated from the rocket at an altitude of 126 km and re-entered Earth's atmosphere (about 80 km from sea level). And then, it descended in a ballistic mode and splashed down into the Bay of Bengal, some 180 km from Indira Point, which is the southern tip of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, reported PTI.

"This was a very significant day in the history of Indian space programme for the development of the advanced launch vehicle that could carry a 4-tonne class of communication satellite into orbit," ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan said soon after the successful test flight.

This mission has also enhanced India’s capability to be a competitive player in the multi-million dollar commercial launch market. It would envisage multi-mission launch capability for GTO, LEO, Polar and intermediate circular orbits.

Prime Minister Naredra Modi took to Twitter to congratulate all ISRO scientists, “Successful launch of GSLV Mk-III is yet another triumph of brilliance & hardwork of our scientists. Congrats to them for the efforts.”

The total budget of the experimental mission carried out by the Indian space agency was Rs 155 crore, and this includes the cost of crew module as well.