GSLV MK II.

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet has approved the Rs 3,000-crore GSLV phase-4 programme under which five geo-orbit satellites will be launched in coming three years from 2021 to 2024. The programme will enable the launch of two-tonne class satellites for geo-imaging, navigation, data-relay communication and space sciences.

Of the five launches, the launch of data relay communication satellite will be significant as it will support the country’s maiden human spaceflight or Gaganyaan programme, whose deadline is fixed in December 2021, and the country’s interplanetary mission to Mars in 2022-23. Once the Gaganyaan and the subsequent Mars spacecraft are launched, the data relay satellite will act as a communication link between the spacecraft in space and the deep space control room in Karnataka’s Byalalu.

Before the start of the phase-4 programme, Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has a slew of important geo missions pending under the phase-3 programme. These include the launch of a new series of remote-sensing satellite geo-imaging satellites (Gisats). Gisat-1 will be launched in September and Gisat-2 in November. Gisat will carry a geo-imager with multi-spectral (visible, near infra-red and thermal) and multi-resolution (50m to 1.5 km) imaging instruments that will enhance the country’s land mapping capabilities. The satellites will therefore have both military and civilian use.

A series of advanced satellites Gsat-20, Gsat-30 and Gsat-32, which will boost communication capabilites of the country, will also be launched by early next year. While Gsat-20 and Gsat-30, a replacement of Insat-4A, will be sent to space from French Guiana, Gsat-32 will be launched from Sriharikota. Gsat-32 will replace Gsat-6A, which was lost in space after the successful launch due to a communication failure and was meant to mainly serve ground forces.

The Rs 2,729-crore budget for the GSLV ph-4 programme includes the cost of five GSLV rockets, essential facility augmentation and programme management. Two satellites will be launched every year with maximum participation by the Indian industry in the production of the country’s heavy-lift rocket.

