Article Posted on : - Oct 12, 2011

GSLV III. Photo: ISRO

SRIHARIKOTA (PTI): The next flight of the Geostationary Launch Vehicle (GSLV) with indigenous cryogenic engine is likely to be launched in the second quarter of next year, ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan said here Wednesday.

"We have a major task ahead of us... development and perfection of indigenous cryogenic stage. We are making good progress and we plan to have the next flight of GSLV with indigenous cryogenic engine in the second quarter of 2012," the ISRO Chief said.

Before the GSLV launch, ISRO plans to have two more missions of PSLV, Radhakrishnan said after the successful launch of Indo-French satellite Mega-Tropiques and three nano satellites from here.

"..We plan to have two more missions of PSLV. One, for launching India's first microwave remote sensing satellite and the other a joint mission of India and France to look at the oceans," he said.

Now under development, GSLV-III is designed to make the country fully self-reliant in launching heavier communication satellites, weighing 4,500 to 5,000 kg, besides boosting its capability to be a key player in the global commercial launch market.

In December 2010, homegrown launch vehicle GSLV-F06 fitted with Russian cryogenic engine carrying communication satellite GSAT-5P on-board failed when the rocket was hit by a snag seconds after liftoff from here.

Describing the successful launch of Megha Tropiques as 'truly global mission' Radhakrishnan said it was the beginning of a 'new phase' of cooperation between India and France.

"What this cooperation has given to the world is a satellite which is going to provide us lot of information and knowledge about tropical regions," he said.

He thanked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for all the support and encouragement.