Nellore: Scientists of the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) have been gearing up for the launch of the Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F05) carrying 2,200 kg of meteorological satellite INSAT-3DR on board most likely on September 10 this year. This is one among the four rocket launches planned by Isro before the end of this year.
Director of Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Shar, P. Kunhi Krishnan, said this during the Independence Day celebrations at Shar in Sriharikota on Monday. According to Mr Krishnan, preparations are on to test the indigenously developed scramjet engine technology based on air-breathing propulsion before the end of August. The test will be on the platform named Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV) from the Shar.
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C35) mission is scheduled between September and November. It will launch ResourceSat 2A satellite into a low-Earth orbit and ScatSat 1 satellite into higher geostationary orbit besides two satellites developed by students and four international satellites. In addition to this, the first test flight of GSLV Mk-III, the giant among India’s rockets, using active cryogenic stage is expected in December.
Mr Krishnan said they also have plans to launch PSLV-C36 in between GSLV Mk III and PSLV-C35 or in January next year. He dwelt at length on eight successful launches between August last year and this year and the international recognition for Isro as well as the Space Port in Shar for launching 20 satellites in one go though PSLV-C34.
