India will acquire capabilities to launch heavier Satellites weighing four tonnes by next year. The Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation Dr.K Radhakrisnan said while addressing a press conference in Bangalore today said tests are under progress for indegenously developed GSLV Mark III launch vehicle and Cryogenic engine. Once they are tested successfully, India need not spend foreign exchange on launching heavier satellites through foreign Space agencies.

India already has capabilities of launching satellites upto two tonnes through PSLV launch vehicle. The Chairman noted that launch of heavier satellite works out economical as it can carry more transponders, useful for communication and remote sensing. He informed that advanced Communication satellite GSAT-10 with 30 communication transponders will be launched from Ariane Space Station of France tentatively on the early morning of 29th this month.

He said PSLV-XL will launch the satellite carrying nine scientific instruments to study the atmosphere of Mars. ISRO plans to launch 58 missions during the 12th Five Year plan to augment number of transponders for telecommunication and remote sensing purpose.