PM congratulates ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV – MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission

With the launch of GSLV – MKIII India becomes self-reliant in launching four-tonne communication satellites

Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark 3 D1 (GSLV-Mark III) nicknamed the “fat boy” by Indian space scientists and “Bahubali” by the Telugu media was launched from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh marking India’s most significant milestone in space technology on May 5,2017. Weighing 640 tonnes, GSLV-Mark III is the heaviest ever rocket made by India.It can launch commercial rockets as heavy as 4 tonnes. Heavy lift launch vehicle is capable of launching payloads up to 4,000 kg into Geosynchronous transfer orbit and 10,000 kg into Low earth Orbit.With this successful mission, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) increased its capacity to launch satellites from 2.3 to 4 tonnes. With this launch India becomes self-reliant— almost — in launching four-tonne communication satellites.

It had earlier been depending on foreign rockets. India joins a small club of heavy-lift satellite launchers. So far, only the space agencies of the US, Russia, France, China, Japan and Europe are capable of satellites weighing 4,000 kilograms and more.The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV – MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission. “Congratulations to the dedicated scientists of ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV – MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission. The GSLV – MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission takes India closer to the next generation launch vehicle and satellite capability. The nation is proud,” the Prime Minister said.