The Cabinet on Monday approved the launch of five Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) during 2021-2024 period, an official statement said.

Called GSLV Programme – Phase 4, this continuation of the ongoing GSLV programme would entail total expenditure of ₹ 2,729.13 crore, which would include the cost of five GSLV vehicles, essential facility augmentation, programme management, and launch campaign along with the additional funds required for meeting the scope of the ongoing GSLV continuation programme, it said.

These rockets capable of launching satellites of 2-tonne categories would be required for providing critical satellite navigation Services, data relay communication for supporting the Indian Human spaceflight programme and the next interplanetary mission to Mars.

This will also ensure the continuity of production in Indian industry, the statement said.

As per the approved plan, up to two launches of GSLV would be carried out per year. The last GSLV -- GSLV-F11 – was successfully launched on December 19 last year. The third phase of the GLSV programme would come to an end by 2020-2021.