ISRO’s Launch of Heaviest Satellite Vehicle – GSLV MkIII-D1/GSAT 19

Last Updated on October 22, 2020

ISRO’s Launch of Heaviest Satellite Vehicle – GSLV MkIII-D1/GSAT 19:

  • Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully launched the GSLV MkIII-D1/GSAT 19 on June 5th, 2017.
  • GSAT 19 is a commutations satellite, carrying high band communication transponders and geostationary radiation spectrometer (GRASP).
  • The rocket is powered by ISRO’s fully indigenous cryogenic engine using a new technology.
  • The scientists have named it the ‘Monster Rocket’ for its heaviness.
  • This mission is one of the biggest achievements for both – the ISRO and India, entering the club of heavy satellite launchers.

ISRO’s Launch of Heaviest Satellite Vehicle – GSLV MkIII-D1/GSAT 19: (Short Essay)

The successful launching of the ISRO’s GSAT 19 is a notable event. On June 5, 2017, ISRO has launched its most powerful and heaviest rocket named the GSLV Mk III. This mission carried the GSAT-19 communication satellite. The launch took place from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The GSLV launch is a biggest achievement for ISRO and various experts from diverse fields like space science, politics, business, astronomy, engineering, and communications, has lauded the efforts of ISRO scientists.

The GSAT-19 is a three stage vehicle, having four tones of capability with post 10 tones in its lower orbit. The scientists have dubbed the satellite as the “Monster Rocket”, since it has the capability to launch heavier satellites as much as 4 tonnes. After this notable achievement, India has entered the elite club of heavy satellite launchers next to the United States, Russia, Europe, China and Japan.

ISRO’s Launch of Heaviest Satellite Vehicle – GSLV MkIII-D1/GSAT 19: (Brief Essay)

Once in a while, ISRO adds something notable to become the pride of the nation. This time, it is the launch of the GSLV MkIII-D1/GSAT 19. This is the 90th spacecraft mission of ISRO and it is one of the most important missions in India’s space history as the biggest rocket launch for space exploration.

GSLV-Mk III was officially launched from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh in the Satish Dhawan Space Center at 5:28 pm. This is the heaviest satellite ever launched with a payload mass of 3,136kg and was successfully placed in outer space. This heavy launch vehicle has opened immense possibilities for India to fully operationalize its future heavy satellites. Since communication and meteorological satellites are the heaviest ones, operating from the geostationary orbit, GSAT 19 has reduced India’s dependence on outside agencies for launching commercial heavy satellites. Moreover, it is also a significant monitory savings for ISRO.

The current rocket has been carrying 3,136-kilogram weighing GSAT-19 communication satellite and was placed successfully at a distance of 36,000 km from earth. For its heaviness, the scientists have named the satellite as the “Monster Rocket”. The rocket is powered by an ISRO’s fully indigenous cryogenic engine technology which uses liquid oxygen and hydrogen as propellants. It took nearly 15 years to develop the rocket at a cost of around Rs.300 crores.

The successful launch of ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III) is certainly a remarkable event for Indian scientists.