The heavy satellite launch vehicle GSLV Mark II fitted with indigenised cryogenic engine will be ready by May-June. Chairman of ISRO Dr. K Radhakrishnan disclosed this on the sidelines of a national seminar in Bangalore today. He said ground testing of the vehicle is going on and once all the parameters are tested it will be launched as an experimental mission. Since previous two launches of GSLV were unsuccessful, a success now will catapult India’s heavy satellite launching capabilities to a new high. Before this launch, ISRO is getting ready for the launch of Radar Imaging Satellite RISAT-one in March. This is a microwave remote sensing satellite carrying a Synthetic Aperture Radar. The satellite weighing around 1850 kg is slated for launch by PSLV-C19(XL). Speaking about Chandrayaan II moon mission which is scheduled to be launched in 2014, Dr. Radhakrishnan said the Lander for the mission is prepared by Russia and Rover by India. Chandrayaan-2 has an orbiter, equipped with cameras and scientific instruments, which will circle the Moon. The lander will go down to the lunar surface, carrying its own suite of instruments and the rover will be designed to move over the surface of the moon.
News On AIR | January 18, 2012 4:46 PM
GSLV Mark II to be launched later this year