ISRO's INSAT-3DR on-board GSLV-F05 launched: Here is why its a big deal for India?

Shooting down the most awaited countdown, ISRO on Thursday successfully launched  weather satellite INSAT-3DR on-board GSLV-F05 from the second launch pad at the spaceport of Sriharikota, about 110 km from Chennai. But what makes the launch of this advanced weather satellite so important? Here is the answer:

ISRO’s fourth launch using an indigenous cryogenic engine

In April 2001, the first test flight of the GSLV with a cryogenic upper took place, however, it failed. After that, the rocket made eight flights over the past 14 years. Out of 14, five had a Russian cryogenic engine, while three others were powered by the indigenously developed ones. Three turned out to be successful, while four failed and one achieved partial success. The first successful test flight with a Russian engine took place in May 2003. First successful test flight using an indigenous engine happened in January 2014.

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For the first time, an indigenously built cryogenic engine was used

Since it was an operational flight, the launch’s sole mission is to deliver the payload. In 1986, ISRO made plans to develop a cryogenic engine to be used in rockets. ISRO received offers to develop engines from three different entities – US, Soviet Union and France. The space agency accepted an offer from a company named Glavkosmos in the erstwhile Soviet Union as the other two were not affordable.

#The cryogenic engine allows the GSLV to lift upwards of 1,500 kg to the geostationary transfer orbit, while the PSLV rocket cannot carry anything heavier than 1,400 kg.

#For F05 mission ISRO used its built-in propulsion systems to manoeuvre into its eventual geosynchronous orbit. The mass launch of the satellite is 2,211 kg, while 1,255 kg of this is in propellants.

#Like 3D, INSAT-3DR will be able to make the same measurements, at the same time, it will provide better image night-time clouds, and better measure sea surface temperature.

#It will also have a search-and-rescue transponder, used to pinpoint the location of distressed vessels at sea.