The document provides an overview of the history and development of the Indian space programme. It discusses the key milestones and events, including the formation of INCOSPAR in 1962 and ISRO in 1969. It describes the early experiments with sounding rockets and the development of satellite launch vehicles. The document outlines the various centres and facilities of ISRO and lists some of the important satellites launched by India to date. It highlights the roles of pioneering scientists like Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan in establishing the Indian space programme.

1. Indian Space Programme
By
JAYAPRIYA R
CSE DEPARTMENT

2. SPACE PROGRAMME
 Despite being a developing economy with its attendant problems, India has
effectively developed space technology and has applied it successfully for its rapid
development and today is offering a variety of space services globally. During the
formative decade of 1960s, space research was conducted by India mainly with the
help of sounding rockets.
 The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was formed in 1969. Space research
activities were provided additional fillip with the formation of the Space
Commission and the Department of Space by the government of India in 1972. And,
ISRO was brought under the Department of Space in the same year. In the history
of the Indian space programme, 70s were the era of Experimentation during which
experimental satellite programmes like Aryabhatta, Bhaskara, Rohini and Apple
were conducted.
 The success of those programmes, led to era of operationalisation in 80s during
which operational satellite programmes like INSAT and IRS came into being. Today,
INSAT and IRS are the major programmes of ISRO.

3.  For launching its spacecraft indigenously, India is having a robust launch vehicle
programme, which has matured to the state of offering launch services to the
outside world. Antrix, the commercial arm of the Department of Space, is
marketing India’s space services globally. Fruitful co-operation with other space
faring nations, international bodies and the developing world is one of the main
characteristics of India's space programme.
 The most significant milestone of the Indian Space Programme during the year
2005-2006 was the successful launch of PSLV-C6. On 5 May 2005, the ninth flight
of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C6) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre
(SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota successfully placed two satellites - the 1560 kg
CARTOSTAR-1 and 42 kg HAMSAT - into a predetermined polar Sun Synchronous
Orbit (SSO). Coming after seven launch successes in a row, the success of PSLV-C6
further demonstrated the reliability of PSLV and its capability to place payloads
weighing up to 1600 kg satellites into a 600 km high polar SSO.

4.  The successful launch of INSAT-4A, the heaviest and most powerful satellite
built by India so far; on 22 December 2005 was the other major event of the
year 2005-06. INSAT-4A is capable of providing Direct-To-Home (DTH)
television broadcasting services.
 Besides, the setting up of the second cluster of nine Village Resource Centres
(VRCs) was an important ongoing initiative of the Department of Space during
the year. VRC concept integrates the capabilities of communications and
earth observation satellites to provide a variety of information emanating
from space systems and other IT tools to address the changing and critical
needs of rural communities.

5. THE HISTORY OF INDIAN SPACE
PROGRAMME
 Space technology has allowed the nation of India to move into the world of
high technology, a place previously occupied only by more-developed nations.
Indian space programme began in 1962 by the setting up of Indian National
Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR).
 The space program concentrated on achieving self reliance and developing
capability to build and launch communication satellites for television
broadcast, telecommunications and meteorological applications; remote
sensing satellites for management of natural resources. In recent years, India
has concentrated much of its space development work on complex
applications satellites and more powerful rockets.
 The nation's two main interests are satellites for remote sensing and
communications -- used for weather pictures, disaster warnings and feeds to
552 television and 164 radio stations on the ground.

6. INDIAN SPACE PIONEERS
VIKRAM SARABHAI
 Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai founded India 's space program
after envisioning Indian satellites that could provide
communications, meteorology, remote sensing, and
direct-to-home television broadcasting. He founded the
Physical Research Laboratory, the Space Science Research
Institute, the Department of Space, and the Indian Space
Research Organization (ISRO).
 In 1962, Sarabhai organized space research as chairman of
Indian National Committee for Space Research
(INCOSPAR). He set up of the Thumba Equatorial Rocket
Launching Station and began manufacturing sounding
rockets in India .
 He drew up plans to transmit education to remote
villages across India with the Satellite Instructional
Television Experiment (SITE). After Sarabhai died in 1971,
the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) in
Tiruvananthapuram is named for him.

7. SATHIS DHAWAN
 Another early developer of India 's space program was
Satish Dhawan.
 He was the longest serving director of the Indian
Institute of Science when he died in 2002. Prime
Minister Indira Gandhi asked him to head the nation's
space program.
 When the space scientist and former chairman of ISRO
died, Indian President, K. R. Narayanan said, "India's
space programmes owe to a great extent its
spectacular growth and high level of maturity to the
stewardship and visionary leadership of Prof. Dhawan."

8. INDIAN SPACE RESEARCH ORGANISATION
(ISRO)
 ISRO was set up in 1969 with its head quarters at Bangalore . ISRO has
established two major space systems, INSAT for communication, television
broadcasting and meteorological services, and Indian Remote Sensing
Satellites (IRS) system for resources monitoring and management.
 ISRO has developed two satellite launch vehicles, PSLV and GSLV, to place
INSAT and IRS satellites in the required orbits.
 Accordingly, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully
operationalised two major satellite systems namely Indian National Satellites
(INSAT) for communication services and Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites
for management of natural resources; also, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
(PSLV) for launching IRS type of satellites and Geostationary Satellite Launch
Vehicle (GSLV) for launching INSAT type of satellites.

9. INDIAN SPACE PROGRAM
ORGANISATIONAL CHART

10. THE SPACE COMMISSION
 The Space Commission was set up in 1972. This Commission formulates the
policies and oversees the implementation of the Indian space programme to
promote the development and application of space science and technology
for the socio-economic benefit of the country.
 DOS implements these programs through, mainly Indian Space Research
Organization (ISRO), Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), National
Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL), North Eastern-Space Applications
Centre (NE-SAC) and Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL).
 The Antrix Corporation, established in 1992 as a government owned company,
markets the space products and services.

11. ANTRIX
 The Antrix Corporation Limited is under the administrative control of the
Department of Space, Government of India. Antrix Corporation Limited was
incorporated as a private limited company wholly owned by Government of India,
in September 1992 as a Marketing arm of Indian Space Research Organization
(ISRO) for promotion and commercial exploitation of space products, technical
consultancy services and transfer of technologies developed by ISRO.
 Another major objective is to facilitate development of space related industrial
capabilities in India. Antrix is engaged in providing Space products & services to
international customers worldwide.
 Antrix, which is an INR 950 Cr. Company in 2007-08 got the "Miniratna" status by
the Government of India in 2008.
 Antrix is a one-stop-shop for any of the space products, ranging from supply of
hardware and software including simple subsystems to a complex spacecraft, for
varied applications covering communications, earth observation, scientific
missions; space related service including remote sensing data series, Transponders
lease service; Launch services through the operational launch vehicles (PSLV and
GSLV); Mission support services; and a host of consultancy and training services are
also offered by Antrix

12. ISRO ESTABLISHMENTS
VIKRAM SARABHAI SPACE CENTRE (VSSC), TRIVANDRUM
 VSSC is the major center of ISRO
 Responsible for development of rocket launch vehicles and sounding rockets. •
The Space Physics Laboratory at VSSC carries out research and studies in
atmospheric science and other related space science activities.
 Ammonium Per chlorate Experimental Plant (APEP) at Aluva in Kerala is a part
of VSSC.
 The major programmes at VSSC include launch vehicle projects of Polar
Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLV), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicles
(GSLV Mark II and Mark III), Rohini Sounding Rockets, Space-capsule Recovery
Experiments, Reusable Launch Vehicles and Air Breathing Propulsion for
Advanced Reusable Launch Vehicle

13. Satish Dhawan Space Centre(SDSC), Sriharikota
 • A launch complex and production centre of propellants.
 • launching satellite into low earth orbit, polar orbit and geostationary transfer
orbit.
 • It has facilities for launching sounding rockets meant for studying the earth's
atmosphere.
 • Achievements include establishment of launch complexes for Sounding
rockets, SLV-3, ASLV and PSLV. Launch complex augmented for GSLV.
ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), Bangalore
 • Responsible for Space craft mainframe development.
 • Achievements include design and development of more than 50 satellites so
far of various types like scientific, communication and remote sensing

14. Space Application Centre(SAC), Ahmedabad
 • Main centre for space application and development of spacecraft's payloads.
 • SAC is a host institution for the training programmes related to Satellite
Communication, Satellite Meteorology and global change under the Centre for
Space Science & Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific (CSSTEAP)
affiliated to the United Nations (UN). Auxiliary Propulsion System Unit (APSU),
Bangalore and Trivandrum
 • Develops propulsion control packages for launch vehicles and spacecrafts.
Development & Educational Communication Unit (DECU), Ahmedabad
 • Produces development and educational television programmes.
 • To promote the satellite-based communication systems to support
development, education & training like Tele-Education (Edusat), Tele-Medicine
(TM), Gramsat Program, Satcom Applications.

15. ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC)
 ISTRAC is responsible for providing Space Operation services that include
spacecraft control, TTC support services
 Development of RADAR systems for tracking & atmospheric applications and
Establishment of Ground Segment Network for Indian Regional Navigation
Satellite System of ISRO are the additional responsibilities of ISTRAC
 Consist of five ground stations located at Sriharikota, Kovalpur, Trivandrum , Car
Nicobar and Ahmedabad with head Quarters at Bangalore .
National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA), Hyderabad
 For utilizing the potential of remote sensing, mainly in the context of natural
resources survey
 Indian National Satellite Space Segment Project Office (INSAT-INSSPO).
 Responsible for implementation and operation of the space segment for INSAT.
The master control facility for INSAT spacecrafts is located at Hassan in
Karnataka. The second centre is at Bhopal

16. Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad
 To carry out research in outer space.
Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station(TERLS)
 A US Sponsored mission near Trivandrum (Kerala) is a rocket launching Facility which
became operational in 1963.
Rocket Propellant plant (RPP), Thumba
 Commissioned in 1969, it is engaged in production of solid propellant blocks to
support rocket launching programmes.
Experimental Satellite Communication Earth Station (ESCES), Ahmedabad
 Set up in 1967, to impart instruction in Satellite Communication Technology.
Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE), Ahmedabad
 set up in 1970, to conduct join TV experiments.
Experimental Satellite Communication Earth Station, Arvi, Pune
 India 's first Satellite Communication Earth Station. It operates through the Intersat-III
satellite positioned over the Indian Ocean . Second station has been opened at
Dehradun.

17. National Mesosphere Stratosphere Troposphere Reader Facility (NMRF) – Gadanki
(near Tirupati)
 To carry out atmospheric research. ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU),
Thiruvananthapuram
 To carry out research and development in the area of inertial sensors & systems and
allied satellite elements.
 This unit has the total capability to design, engineer, develop, qualify and deliver
inertial systems for the entire Indian Space programme.
Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Valiamala
 Liquid Propulsion for ISRO's Launch Vehicle and Spacecraft programmes.
 The activities are spread across Valiamala / Thiruvananthapuram, Mahendragiri and
Bangalore.
 LPSC, Valiamala is responsible for research and development of Earth Storable and
Cryogenic propulsion and delivers Engines, stages, associated control systems and
components for Launch Vehicle and Spacecrafts.
 LPSC, Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu and is responsible for Assembly, Integration & Testing
and Propellant storage & Servicing for launch vehicle engines & stages.
 LPSC, Bangalore is responsible for Satellite Propulsion Systems Integration for GEOSAT
and IRS programmes.

18. Master Control Facility(MCF), Hassan and Bhopal
 Monitors and controls all the geo-stationary satellites of ISRO.
 The operations involve continuous tracking, telemetry and commanding,
special operations like eclipse management, station-keeping manoeuvres and
recovery in case of contingencies. Laboratory for Electro Optics Systems,
Bangalore
 Design, development and production of Electro-Optic sensors and camera
optics for satellites and launch vehicles.
 LEOS is situated at Peenya Industrial Estate, Bangalore where the first Indian
Satellite Aryabhata was fabricated in 1975. Milestones of ISRO

19. MILESTONES OF INDIAN SPACE
PROGRAMME
 1962 - Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) formed by the
Department of Atomic Energy and work on establishing Thumba Equatorial Rocket
Launching Station (TERLS) started.
 1963 - First sounding rocket launched from TERLS (November 21, 1963).
 1965 - Space Science & Technology Centre (SSTC) established in Thumba.
 1967 - Satellite Telecommunication Earth Station set up at Ahmedabad. 1968 -
TERLS dedicated to the United Nations (February 2, 1968).
 1969 - Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) formed under Department of
Atomic Energy (August 15, 1969).
 1972 - Space Commission and Department of Space set up (June 1, 1972). ISRO
brought under DOS.
 1972-1976 - Air-borne remote sensing experiments.

20. Satellite
Launch
Date
Launch Launch
Type of Satellite
Vehicle site
Aryabhata 19.04.1975
Experimental / Small
C-1 Intercosmos Baikanur
Satellite
Bhaskara-I 07.06.1979
Earth Observation
C-1 Intercosmos Baikanur
Satellite
Rohini Technology
Payload (RTP)
10.08.1979
Experimental / Small
SLV-3 Sriharikota
Satellite
Rohini (RS-1) 18.07.1980
Experimental / Small
SLV-3 Sriharikota
Satellite
Rohini (RS-D1) 31.05.1981
Earth Observation
SLV-3 Sriharikota
Satellite
Ariane Passenger
Payload Experiment
(APPLE)
19.06.1981
Kourou (CSG), Ariane-1(V-3) Geo-Stationary Satellite
French
Guyana
Bhaskara-II 20.11.1981
Earth Observation
C-1 Intercosmos Baikanur
Satellite
INSAT-1A 10.04.1982
Delta 3910
Geo-Stationary Satellite America PAM-D
Rohini (RS-D2) 17.04.1983
Earth Observation
SLV-3 Sriharikota
Satellite
INSAT-1B 30.08.1983 Shuttle [PAM-D] Geo-Stationary Satellite America
Stretched Rohini
Satellite Series
(SROSS-1)
24.03.1987 ASLV Space Mission Sriharikota

21. IRS-1A 17.03.1988 Vostok Earth Observation
Satellite
Baikanur
Stretched Rohini
Satellite Series
(SROSS-2)
13.07.1988
Earth Observation
ASLV Sriharikota
Satellite
INSAT-1C 21.07.1988
Kourou (CSG), Ariane-3 Geo-Stationary Satellite
French
Guyana
INSAT-1D 12.06.1990 Delta 4925 Geo-Stationary Satellite America
IRS-1B 29.08.1991
Earth Observation
Vostok Baikanur
Satellite
Stretched Rohini
Satellite Series
(SROSS-C)
20.05.1992 ASLV Space Mission Sriharikota
INSAT-2A 10.07.1992
Kourou (CSG), Ariane-44L H10 Geo-Stationary
Satellite French
Guyana
INSAT-2B 23.07.1993
Kourou (CSG),
Ariane-44L
Geo-Stationary Satellite French H10+
Guyana
IRS-1E 20.09.1993
Earth Observation
PSLV-D1 Sriharikota
Satellite
Stretched Rohini
Satellite Series
(SROSS-C2)
04.05.1994 ASLV Space Mission Sriharikota
IRS-P2 15.10.1994
Earth Observation
PSLV-D2 Sriharikota
Satellite
INSAT-2C 07.12.1995
Ariane-44L H10-
Geo-Stationary Satellite Kourou (CSG),
French

22. 3 Guyana
IRS-1C 28.12.1995
Earth Observation
Molniya
Satellite
Baikanur
IRS-P3 21.03.1996
Earth Observation
PSLV-D3
Satellite
Sriharikota
INSAT-2D 04.06.1997
Ariane-44L H10-
Geo-Stationary Satellite 3
Kourou
IRS-1D 29.09.1997
Earth Observation
PSLV-C1
Satellite
Sriharikota
INSAT-2DT January 1998 Ariane-44L H10 Geo-Stationary Satellite
INSAT-2E 03.04.1999
Ariane-42P H10-
Geo-Stationary Satellite 3
Kourou
Oceansat(IRS-P4) 26.05.1999
Earth Observation
PSLV-C2
Satellite
Sriharikota
INSAT-3B 22.03.2000 Ariane-5G Geo-Stationary Satellite French Guyana
GSAT-1 18.04.2001 GSLV-D1 Geo-Stationary Satellite Sriharikota
Technology
Experiment Satellite
(TES)
22.10.2001
Earth Observation
PSLV-C3
Satellite
Sriharikota
INSAT-3C 24.01.2002
Ariane-42L H10-
Geo-Stationary Satellite 3
French Guyana
KALPANA-1(METSAT) 12.09.2002 PSLV-C4 Geo-Stationary Satellite Sriharikota
GSAT-2 08.05.2003 GSLV-D2 Geo-Stationary Satellite Sriharikota
INSAT-3E 28.09.2003 Ariane-5G Geo-Stationary Satellite French

23. INSAT-3A 10.04.2003 Ariane-5G Geo-Stationary Satellite French Guyana
Resourcesat-1(IRS-
P6)
17.10.2003 PSLV-C5
Earth Observation
Satellite
Sriharikota
EDUSAT (GSAT-3) 20.09.2004 GSLV-F01 Geo-Stationary Satellite Sriharikota
CARTOSAT-1 05.05.2005 PSLV-C6
Earth Observation
Satellite
Sriharikota
HAMSAT 05.05.2005 PSLV-C6
Experimental / Small
Satellite
Sriharikota
INSAT-4A 22.12.2005 Ariane-5GS Geo-Stationary Satellite
INSAT-4C 10.07.2006 GSLV-F02 Geo-Stationary Satellite Sriharihota
INSAT-4CR 02.09.2007 GSLV-F04 Geo-Stationary Satellite Sriharihota
SRE – 1 10.01.2007 PSLV-C7
Experimental / Small
Satellite
Sriharihota
CARTOSAT – 2 10.01.2007 PSLV-C7
Earth Observation
Satellite
Sriharihota
INSAT-4B 12.03.2007 Ariane-5ECA Geo-Stationary Satellite French Guyana
IMS-1 28.04.2008 PSLV-C9
Earth Observation
Satellite
Sriharihota
CARTOSAT - 2A 28.04.2008 PSLV-C9
Earth Observation
Satellite
Sriharihota
Chandrayaan-1 22.10.2008 PSLV-C11 Space Mission Sriharihota
RISAT-2 20.04.2009 PSLV-C12 Earth Observation
Satellite
ANUSAT 20.04.2009 PSLV-C12
Experimental / Small
Satellite
Oceansat-2 23.09.2009 PSLV-C14
Earth Observation
Satellite
Sriharikota
GSAT-4 15.04.2010 GSLV-D3 Geo-Stationary Satellite Sriharikota
CARTOSAT-2B 12.07.2010 PSLV-C15
Earth Observation
Satellite
Sriharikota
STUDSAT 12.07.2010 PSLV-C15 Experimental / Small
Satellite

24. LAUNCH VEHICLES
 Launch Vehicles are used to transport and put satellites or spacecrafts into space.
In India , the launch vehicles development programme began in the early 1970s.
The first experimental Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3) was developed in 1980.
 Rohini Satellite was launched with its help. In the second stage an augmented
version of this, ASLV, was launched successfully in 1992. India has made
tremendous strides in launch vehicle technology to achieve self-reliance in
satellite launch vehicle programme. In the third stage Polar Satellite Launch
Vehicle (PSLV) was developed in which liquid propellant was used for the first time
along with solid propellants.
 In the fourth stage Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) was developed.
Its second and fourth stage uses cryogenic engines. They use liquid hydrogen as
fuel at -253 ° C and liquid oxygen at -183 ° C as oxidizer. PSLV has repeatedly
proved its reliability and versatility by launching 44 satellites /spacecrafts (19
Indian and 25 for international customers) into a variety of orbits so far.
 ISRO also makes the Rohini series of sounding rockets used by the Indian and
internationa l scientific community to launch payloads to various altitudes for
atmospheric research and other scientific investigations.

25. SLV-3
 Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-3), India's first
experimental satellite launch vehicle was successfully
launched on July 18, 1980 from SHAR Centre Sriharikota,
when Rohini satellite, RS-1, was placed in orbit. It
employed an open loop guidance (with stored pitch
programme) to steer the vehicle in flight along
predetermined trajectory.
 The first experimental flight of SLV3, in August 1979, was
only partially successful. Apart from the July 1980 launch,
there were two more launches held in May 1981 and April
1983, orbiting Rohini satellites carrying remote sensing
sensors.
Typical Parameters of SLV:
 Height: 22m
 Weight: 17 tonnes
 Fuel: Solid
 Payload Weight: 40kg
 Orbit: Low Earth (300-900km)

26. ASLV
 Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) was developed to act as
a low cost intermediate vehicle to demonstrate and validate
critical technologies.
 The strap-on stage consisted of two identical 1m diameter solid
propellant motors, Under the ASLV programme four developmental
flights were conducted. The first developmental flight took place
on March 24, 1987 and the second on July 13, 1988.
 ASLV-D3 was successfully launched on May 20, 1992, when SROSS-C
(106 kg) was put into an orbit of 255 x 430 km. ASLV-D4, launched
on May 4, 1994, orbited SROSS-C2 weighing 106 kg. It had two
payloads, Gamma Ray Burst (GRB) Experiment and Retarding
Potentio Analyzer (RPA) and functioned for seven years. ASLV
provided valuable inputs for further development.
Typical Parameters of ASLV:
 Height: 23.8m
 Weight: 40 tonnes
 Fuel: Solid
 Payload Weight: 150kg
 Orbit: Low Earth (400 km circular orbits)

27. PSLV
 The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle , s the first operational launch vehicle of
ISRO. PSLV is capable of launching 1600 kg satellites in 620 km sun-
synchronous polar orbit and 1050 kg satellite in geo-synchronous transfer
orbit.
 PSLV has four stages using solid and liquid propulsion systems alternately.
The first stage is one of the largest solid propellant boosters in the world and
carries 139 tones of propellant.
 A cluster of six strap-on attached to the first stage motor, four of which are
ignited on the ground and two are air-lit. The reliability rate of PSLV has
been superb. There had been 16 continuously successful flights of PSLV, till
July 2010. With its variant configurations, PSLV has proved its multipayload,
multi-mission capability in a single launch and its geosynchronous launch
capability.
Typical Parameters of PSLV
 Height: 44m
 Weight: 295 tonnes
 Fuel: Solid, Liquid
 Payload Weight: 1600kg
 Orbit: Polar Synchronous (620 km)

28. GSLV
 Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)- Mark I&II, is capable
of placing INSAT–II class of satellites (2000 – 2,500 kg) into
Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). GSLV is a three stage vehicle.
 GSLV is 49 m tall, with 414 t lift off weight. It has a maximum
diameter of 3.4 m at the payload fairing. First stage comprises S125
solid booster with four liquid (L40) strapon.
 Second stage (GS2) is liquid engine and the third stage (GS3) is a cryo
stage. The vehicle develops a lift off thrust of 6573 KN. The first
flight of GSLV took place from SHAR on April 18, 2001 by launching
1540 kg GSAT-1. It was followed by four more launches , GSLV-D2 on
May 8, 2003 (GSAT-2 1825 kg), GSLV-F01 on September 20, 2004
(EDUSAT 1950 kg), GSLV-F02 on July 10, 2006, GSLVF04 on September
2, 2007 (INSAT-4CR 2130 kg) and GSLV-D3 on April 15, 2010.
Typical Parameters of GSLV - Mark I&II
 Height: 49m
 Weight: 414 tonnes
 Fuel: Solid, Liquid, & Cryogenic
 Payload Weight: 2000kg
 Orbit: Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)

29. GEOSYNCHRONOUS SATELLITE LAUNCH
VEHICLE MARK III
 launch vehicle currently under development by the Indian Space
Research Organization. GSLV Mk III is conceived and designed to make
ISRO fully self reliant in launching heavier communication satellites of
INSAT-4 class, which weigh 4500 to 5000 kg. It would also enhance the
capability of the country to be a competitive player in the multimillion
dollar commercial launch market. The vehicle envisages multimission
launch capability for GTO, LEO, Polar and intermediate circular orbits.
GSLV-Mk III is designed to be a three stage vehicle, with 42.4 m tall
with a lift off weight of 630 tones.
 First stage comprises two identical S200 Large Solid Booster (LSB) with
200 tones solid propellant, that are strapped on to the second stage,
the L110 re-startable liquid stage. The third stage is the C25 LOX/LH2
cryo stage. The large payload fairing measures 5 m in diameter and
can accommodate a payload volume of 100 cu m. The development
work on Mk III is progressing as per schedule for a launch in 2012.
Typical Parameters of GSLV Mark III
 Height: 49m
 Weight: 630 tonnes
 Fuel: Solid, Liquid, & Cryogenic
 Payload Weight: 4500 to 5000kg
 Orbit: Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)