 GSLV is under development for launching 2500 kg INSAT class of satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit. While the initial flights will have cryogenic upper stage supplied by Russia, ISRO is developing indigeneous cryogenic stage for use in subseqent flights. |
"By 2001, we will have our own vehicle for launching heavier Insat satellites used for communication," Kalam was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India.
Presently, vehicles made by the French company Ariane are used to launch India's Insat satellites, he said.
"Indian Space Research Organisation is developing the first indigenous geosynchronous launch vehicle (GSLV) using Russian cryogenic engines which will be used to launch future communication satellites," he said.
However, last month India's first test firing of its most ambitious rocket engine meant to launch the GSLV failed.
India hopes to tap into the global commercial satellite launch market which uses 20 to 30 launches a year with total fees of about 2.5 billion dollars.
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INDO SPACE
INSAT-3B Deploys Solar Arrays and Antennas in GEO Orbit
Hassan - March 27, 2000 - In a series of critical operations carried out from the INSAT Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka, deployment of two solar arrays and two antennas on board INSAT-3B satellite was successfully completed today March 27, 2000.
Indo Space In Focus
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