Bengaluru: The government has committed Rs 10,469 crore to India ’s space agency to build 40 rockets over the next five years, which includes ten heavier rockets or the Geo Synchronous Satellite Launch vehicle (GSLVMk-III) that can hurl 4-tonne communication satellites into space.The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi , approved 30 operational flights of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle ( PSLV ), the workhorse rocket of Indian Space Research Organisation ( Isro ) between 2019-2024.The Rs 6,131-crore committed for the PSLV rockets mandates Isro to increase to eight launches a year and increase participation of the Indian industry in the rocket programme.Isro has already begun a process of transferring the PSLV technology to an industry consortium led by firms such as Godrej Aerospace, Larsen and Toubro, Walchand Industries and Hindustan Aeronautics by 2021. It expects the consortium, which contribute systems to the rocket, to assemble it at its campus in Sriharikota.The Cabinet also approved building 10 GSLV Mk-III rockets for Rs 4,338 crore. So far, Isro has conducted one development flight of GSLV-Mk-III, which can carry 4-tonne communication satellites into space.The second development flight is expected later this year following which the rocket will be operational to carry commercial payloads.The operationalisation of GSLV Mk-III will make the country self-reliant in the launching capability of 4-tonne class of communication satellites and sustain and strengthen the space infrastructure and reduce the dependence on procured launches from foreign countries, a government statement said.The GSLV Mk-III Continuation Programme – Phase 1will meet the launch requirement of communication satellites to meet the national demand for high throughput satellites for rural broadband connectivity, increase and sustain the availability of transponders for DTH, VSAT and television broadcasters.