The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-D3), fitted with an indigenous cryogenic stage, from Sriharikotta in April, and the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C15) in May, P. S Veeraraghavan, Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, said on Wednesday.
Terming the launch of the GSLV-D3 by April-end “a landmark in indigenous technology,” he said the vehicle would put into orbit an advanced communication satellite (GSAT- 4). “So far we have been using Russian cryogenic engine.”
Mr. Veeraraghavan was speaking at the inaugural of a seminar on ‘Application of nuclear and space technology for the benefit of farmers,' here.
The PSLV-C15 would put into orbit Cartosat 2B, an Algerian satellite, two Canadian nano-satellites and a satellite developed by students of various colleges in Karnataka some time in the beginning of May.
Growing demand
There was a growing demand for more communication satellites, especially from television and cable networks. Now the ISRO was launching four satellites a year. The number of satellite launches had to be increased gradually.
“The 11th Plan demanded 30 missions. To achieve the objective, at least eight satellites have to be put into orbit every year,” Mr. Veeraraghavan said.
