GSLV Mk III-D1 OR GSAT-19 Mission: Another Success Story | Science & Technology for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Introduction

• The GSLV Mk III-D1 mission successfully launched the GSAT-19 satellite on June 05, 2017, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC SHAR) in Sriharikota.
• This marked a significant achievement in India's space exploration endeavors.
• This article provides an in-depth overview of the GSLV Mk III-D1 mission, GSLV Mk III, GSAT-19 satellite, and the historical context of India's launch vehicles.

GSLV Mk III-D1: An Introduction

• GSLV Mk III-D1 is the first developmental flight of GSLV Mk III, designed to carry 4-ton class satellites to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
• It successfully placed the GSAT-19 satellite into GTO, weighing 3136 kg.
• The vehicle featured a unique configuration, including a 5 m ogive payload fairing and a slanted strap-on nose cone for aerodynamic robustness.

GSLV Mk III: The Mechanism

• GSLV Mk III is a three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle developed by ISRO.
• Its three stages consist of two solid motor strap-ons (S200), a liquid propellant core stage (L110), and a cryogenic stage (C25).
• The S200 strap-on motors carry 205 tons of composite solid propellant and ignite at liftoff, functioning for 140 seconds.
• The L110 liquid core booster's two Vikas liquid engines ignite 114 seconds after liftoff to augment thrust and continue functioning after strap-on separation.

About GSAT-19 Satellite

• GSAT-19 is India's communication satellite with a lift-off mass of 3136 kg.
• It is configured around ISRO's standard I-3K bus and carries Ka/Ku-band high throughput communication transponders.
• The satellite includes a Geostationary Radiation Spectrometer (GRASP) payload to study space radiation's effects on satellites and their components.
• GSAT-19 also incorporates advanced technologies such as miniaturized heat pipes, fiber optic gyro, MEMS accelerometer, Ku-band TTC transponder, and an indigenous Lithium-ion Battery.

Specifications of GSAT-19 Satellite

• Launch Mass: 3136 Kg
• Dry Mass: 1394 kg
• Mission Life: 10 years
• Physical Dimensions: 2.0 m x 1.77 m x 3.1 m
• Launch Vehicle: GSLV Mk III-D1/GSAT-19 Mission
• Type of Satellite: Communication
• Manufacturer: ISRO
• Owner: ISRO
• Application: Communication
• Orbit Type: Geostationary

Historical Context of India's Launch Vehicles

• GSLV Mk III-D1 marked a significant milestone in India's space exploration journey.
• India's GSLV Mk III is capable of launching 4-ton class satellites into GTO or about 10 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), doubling GSLV Mk II's capacity.
• India's space exploration journey began with the LVM3-X/CARE mission on December 18, 2014, which tested the atmospheric phase of flight and conducted the Crew module Atmospheric Reentry Experiment.
• The successful GSLV – MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission reflects India's progress in next-generation launch vehicle and satellite capabilities.

Conclusion

• The GSLV Mk III-D1 mission, with its successful launch of the GSAT-19 satellite, represents another remarkable achievement for India in the field of space exploration.
• India's GSLV Mk III stands as a testament to the nation's dedication to advancing its capabilities in launching satellites into orbit.
• The historical context underscores India's journey in developing robust launch vehicles for space exploration.