ISRO to test-fire its heaviest rocket today

December 18, 2014 08:38

Indian Space Research Organisation is all set for one of its most ambitious tests as it readies for the unique maiden flight today of its heaviest rocket till date -- the 630-tonne, three-stage rocket Geo-Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III.

The Mission Readiness Review and the Launch Authorisation Board,
has cleared the launch for December 18 at 9.30 a.m., it said.

A senior ISRO official explained that the lesser duration of the countdown for the mission was due to the dummy cryogenic stage. As per the plan, soon after the lift-off at Sriharikota, ISRO would study the flight validation of the complex atmospheric flight regime of LVM 3 and would also test the ability of the CREW module to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere with thermal resistance, parachute deployment in cluster formation, aero braking system and apex cover separation procedures.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Blow for CSK! Pathirana returns to SL with hamstring injury

Matheesha Pathirana returned to Sri Lanka to recover from a hamstring injury.

WFI furious as Bajrang handed provisional suspension

Bajrang Punia has been handed a provisional suspension for refusing to give his sample for dope test during the recent trials.

Attack on IAF convoy: Several held, hunt on for terrorists

Additional Director General of Police, Jammu, Anand Jain and senior officers of the Army and intelligence agencies visited the ambush spot in the Surankote area. The Army also conducted aerial surveillance using a helicopter, they said.

Talks with China going on well: Rajnath on border row

As the military standoff between India and China drags on along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the talks between the two sides are going on well and indicated hope for a resolution...

Priyanka Gandhi to spearhead Cong campaign in Rae Bareli, Amethi

Ending days of suspense, the Congress on Friday announced that Rahul Gandhi will contest the Lok Sabha elections from Rae Bareli, the constituency held by his mother Sonia Gandhi for the last two decades, and Kishori Lal Sharma, a close...