India's heaviest rocket blasts off with communication satellite GSAT-29
The GSLV-Mk III with a capacity to carry four-tonne satellite, is a three-stage/engine rocket with two strap-on motors powered by solid fuel.
Sriharikota: India has successfully launched its heaviest rocket - Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark III (GSLV-Mk III) - carrying 3,423 kg communication satellite GSAT-29.
The rocket blasted off from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) from Sriharikota spaceport here. The 43.4-metre rocket weighing about 640 tonne rushed to the blue skies with thick orange flame at its rear.
The GSLV-Mk III with a capacity to carry four-tonne satellite, is a three-stage/engine rocket with two strap-on motors powered by solid fuel. The second stage is a core liquid fuel booster and the third is the cryogenic engine.
Just after 16 minutes into its flight, the rocket will sling the GSAT-29 at its intended orbit at an altitude of around 207 km.
According to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), GSAT-29 with a life span of 10 years is a multi-beam satellite that carries Ka/Ku-band high throughput communication transponders intended to meet the communication requirements of users including those in remote areas.
The satellite also carries a geo-high resolution camera.