Next rocket will be game changer, says Isro

Hyderabad: Indian Space Research Organisation plans to undertake next month the first developmental flight of a "game changer" rocket capable of launching 4,000-kg satellites from the Sriharikota spaceport, its chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar said.

Isro’s rockets can currently launch satellites weighing up to 2.2 tonnes; it depends on international launchers for heavier satellites.

"Next month, we have scheduled the launch of GSLV-Mk III-D1," Mr Kumar said. The second developmental flight could come within a year.

"By the time two developmental flights are over, we will be working towards more launches so that it (GSLV-Mk III) becomes operational," he said. Isro views operationalisation of this rocket as a "game changer" for it, he said.