 "Isro to launch 9 satellites for the US in 2015-16")
The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) will launch nine nano/micro satellites for the United States during 2015-16.
Isro's commercial arm, Antrix Corporation has signed an agreement to launch these satellites during the current fiscal and they will be launched through the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
Isro officials also said the fully indigenous developed Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) D6 would be launched by end of this month. The estimated cost of the 2.5-tonne vehicle would be around Rs 250 crore, officials told PTI.
India’s first indigenously designed and developed high thrust cryogenic engine meant for next generation GSLV Mk-III launch vehicle is under advanced stage of development. The endurance hot test of the engine has been successfully conducted for a duration of 800 seconds on 16 July, 2015. Further tests are planned under high altitude conditions and stage configuration, prior to the realisation of flight stage.
The developmental flights of GSLV Mk-III are targeted for completion by 2017 and the production of the cryogenic engine would commence thereafter.
The indigenous cryogenic engine will be used for powering the cryogenic stage (C25), the upper stage of GSLV Mk-III launch vehicle of Isro, which can put satellites of up to 4 tonne in geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO).
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Senior Union Minister Jitendra Singh said Rs 470 crore has been allocated for the development of GSLV Mk III launch vehicle in the Twelfth five year plan.
GSLV Mk III is conceived and designed to make Isro fully self reliant in launching heavier communication satellites of INSAT-4 class, which weigh around 4,500 to 5,000 kg. It would also enhance the capability of the country to be a competitive player in the multi-million dollar commercial launch market. The vehicle envisages multi-mission launch capability for GTO, LEO, Polar and intermediate circular orbits.