New rocket shapes India's lofty ambitions

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India recently launched its most powerful rocket, the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark-III.

Officials said it opened new possibilities for India's space program.

This indigenous cryogenic engine technology has made India self reliant in launching satellites from its own soil at a lower cost.

It took more than 20 years for India to develop this technology but now there is no looking back.

"We are now planning on semi-cryogenic with liquid hydrogen being replaced by ISRO (unclear), called as special kerosene," said Venkata Krishnan, director of the ISRO Propulsion Complex.

"It (may not) be eco-friendly fuel now that is going to take us to around 6,000 class tonnes. The diameter will be around six meters. That is going to be our next step further. It is called H LV, heavy lift vehicle."

GSLV Mk-III is designed to carry four-ton class of satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) or about 10 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which is about twice the capability of GSLV Mk-II.

It is being termed as India’s baby steps towards multi-million dollar commercial launch market on a fully indigenous large rocket.

The first developmental flight of GSLV-MK-III has set the stage for India’s manned space mission and put the country into the rocket club.