..:: India Strategic ::. Space: India fires indigenous cryogenic rocket, joins select club

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Editorial

India fires indigenous cryogenic rocket, joins select club

Published: January 2014

Sriharikota, Southern India. India sent a heavy rocket into space on Sunday January 5 by firing an indigenous cryogenic rocket.

It took several attempts over 20 years for Indian scientists to develop the titanium and composite materials engine, and the success of the launch means that India would be self-reliant soon in sending heavy satellites to deep space on its own.

It would take a couple of more attempts though to master the technology and ensure the success of any future space missions.

So far, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been using European Ariane (now part of Airbus Defence and Space) for launching its heavy satellites although for satellites weighing up to 1,600 kgs, its indigenous Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) proved to be a reliable workhorse. In fact, India has also been in the international market and ISRO has launched small and medium satellites for several countries.

But in Sunday’s launch, ISRO’s 414.75-tonne Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle GSLV-D5 rocket propelled the 1,982-kg GSAT-14 in the designated orbit. A day later, ISRO also carried a course correction.

According to ISRO, the three-stage GSLV (Mark I and II) is capable of placing 2,000 to 2,500 kg into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). The vehicle has a liftoff thrust of 6573 kn.

ISRO is now developing its Mark III version to propel satellites of up to 4500 to 5000 kg.