ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan announced to launch GSLV Mark-III in 45 days

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman K Radhakrishnan on 16 October 2014 announced that the Indian space agency will launch GSLV Mark-III within next 45 days. This launch of ISRO is one of the most awaited launches of 2014.

GSLV Mark-III will facilitate launch of four-tonne class of communication satellites to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. This launch of communication satellites will benefit all sections of the society, including remote and far-flung areas of the country.

The announcement was made by Radhakrishnan from the Mission Control Room in Sriharikota after the successful launch of IRNSS 1C.

Apart from this, another communication satellite GSAT 16 with 48 transponders will be launched on board Ariane 5 from the French Guyana in December 2014. ISRO would launch the next in the IRNSS series IRNSS 1D in December 2014.

GSLV-III or Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III
The GSLV-III or Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III is a launch vehicle being developed by the Indian Space Research Organization. GSLV Mk III is conceived and designed to make ISRO fully self reliant in launching heavier communication satellites of INSAT-4 class, weighing 4500 to 5000 kilograms. It would also enhance the capability of the country to be a competitive player in the multimillion dollar commercial launch market. The vehicle envisages multi-mission launch capability for GTO, LEO, Polar and intermediate circular orbits.