GSLV Mark III launch targeted for 2009: Madhavan Nair

Bangalore, May 11 (UNI) Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO)'s dream to launch a four tonne class satellite from an indigenous launch vehicle will be fulfilled in 2009 when GSLV-MK III roars into the skies from the Satish Dhawan Spaceport in Sriharikota.

Disclosing this to mediapersons on the sidelines of a workshop on 'Delivery Systems to Promote Science and Technology among Rural People', organised by ISRO and DAVP here, ISRO Chairman G Madhavan Nair said the launch vehicle, which would make India totally self- reliant in space technology, would be different from both PSLV and GSLV.

''The satellites in INSAT-4 series will be in the range of 3.5 to four tones and Mark-III will be key to indingeously launch these satellites. ''We have been on this job for the last three years.

The first launch will be in 2009. Once this becomes operational, we will not need to depend on outside help to launch heavier satellites,'' Mr Nair said.

In this system, the ISRO would use the cryogenic engines with larger solid boosters carrying 200 tonnes propellants. ''This cryogenic stage will have 20 tonnes of thrust power compared to 7.5 tonnes of the present engines,'' he said.

Mr Nair said ISRO had begun dialogue with European Satellite Telecommunication Organisation (W2M) as it falls under its range.

''I am confident that this project will come through by the year 2008-09,'' he said.

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