Why is Isro's test launch of 'game-changing' rocket important?
The launcher would enable Isro to place satellites weighing more than 4 tonnes in orbit Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) plans to undertake next month the first developmental flight of “game-changer” rocket, which can carry satellites weighing 4 tonnes into space from Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pradesh, according to Chairman A S Kiran Kumar. Currently, the space agency’s geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV MK-2) can carry satellites weighing only 2.2 tonnes and depends on international launches to orbit satellites heavier than that. ALSO READ : ISRO set for 1st developmental flight of 'game-changer' rocket The satellite is scheduled to be launched during first quarter of 2017 by GSLV-Mk III-D1 launch vehicle from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota. The launcher would carry GSAT-19 satellite which has a mass of 3,200 kg. It is a three-stage vehicle with solid, liquid and cryogenic stages respectively. Why is this launch so important? 1. Once...