GSAT-29 / GSLV MkIII-D2

Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV MkIII):

• It is the 5^th generation launch vehicle developed by ISRO.
  
  
• It Is designed to place a satellite a satellite of upto 4,000 kg in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
  
  
• Stages: It is a three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle. Two massive boosters with solid propellant constitute the first stage, the core with liquid propellant form the second stage and the cryogenic engine completes the final stage.
  
  
• Background:
  • The first successful mission of GSLV Mark III was an experimental suborbital flight in 2014. Subsequently, GSLV Mark III-D1 launched GSAT-19 in 2017.
    
    
  • The recent flight is the second developmental flight of GSLV MkIII i.e. GSLV Mark III-D2.
    
    
  
  
  

GSAT-29:

• GSAT-29 is a multiband, multi-beam communication satellite.
  
  
• Payload:
  • Its Ku-band and Ka-band payloads will cater to the communication requirements of users including those from remote areas especially from J&K and North-Eastern India.
    
    
  • Its Q/V-Band communication payload is intended to demonstrate the future high throughput satellite system technologies.
    
    
  • Geo High Resolution Camera will carry out high resolution imaging.
    
    
  • Optical Communication Payload will demonstrate data transmission at a very high rate.
    
    
  
  
  
• Launch:
  • About 17 minutes after the launch, the GSLV MkIII-D2 vehicle injected the GSAT-29 satellite into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) as planned.
    
    
  • After injection, ISRO’s Master Control Facility at Hassan assumed the control of the satellite. In the coming days, the satellite will be positioned in the Geostationary Orbit at its designated location.
    
    
  
  
  

Comment:

1. The success of GSLV MkIII-D2 signifies the completion of the experimental phase of GSLV Mark III and marks an important milestone in Indian space programme towards achieving self-reliance in launching heavier satellites.
   
   
2. Now, India can significantly reduce the dependence on foreign launch facilities for launching heavier satellites.
   
   
3. It has given a significant boost to the future missions of the ISRO. Chandrayaan-2 and Gaganyaan, the manned mission to space will be launched by GSLV MKIII.
   
   
4. The launch of GSAT-29 will help to bridge the digital divide and demonstrate several next generation payload technologies.