India Races in Space

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has yet made another milestone after launching a record of 104 nano-satellites from a single rocket in Febuary. On Monday, June 05, 2017 India launches its heaviest satellite named ‘Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle’ (GSLV) Mark-III also nicknamed the ‘Fat Boy Satellite’ carrying inside it, the communication satellite ‘G-SAT 19’. India, in 1980 became only the ‘sixth nation’ to launch its own rocket. It has continued to make space research a priority.

Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle’ (GSLV) Mark-III – India’s Heaviest Rocket 

Background

The government has been trying to promote home-grown space programs. This launch is significant for India as this will open up new opportunities for the Country, extending its communication resources while also achieving ‘self-reliance’ in launching heavy satellites (2-3 tones) from within its own soil. In terms of heavy satellites, the U.S, Russia, Europe, China and Japan have already put 4-tonne satellites into space; this would be a first attempt for India. 

Analysis

The fifth generation launch by ISRO will improve broadcasting and telecommunications in the Country. Kiran Kumar, the chair of the space agency, Indian Space Research Organization asserted that they were out to break records. The fear is that modern technology is now shrinking the size and weight of satellites. However, the agency tries to maximize capabilities with each launch, thereby allowing India to be a serious player in the private space market.

This development is significant for India revealing the Country’s capabilities in space technology which would invariably improve various other areas.

Consciously building both Technology and Capacity

The GSLV is the largest launch vehicle built by India; the satellite’s cryogenic engine was believed to have been built from scratch which makes the development an even greater achievement.

The Narendra Modi government has made serious efforts in boosting the Country’s space program, with an emphasis on locally sourced equipment. The GSLV is testimony to this, while indigenous cryogenic engines have been carried earlier, they were modeled and designed by Russia. However, this mission is unique in the fact that the engine is ‘indigenous’, making it India’s first fully functional rocket.