ISRO made nation proud again: Sonia Gandhi on GSLV Mk III launch

New Delhi [India] June 5 (ANI): Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Monday congratulated Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for carrying out the successful launch of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III). Describing the launch as another significant achievement and congratulating, A. S. Kiran Kumar, Chairman of ISRO, Gandhi said that, "ISRO had kept up the tradition of excellence in space sciences. This team has made the nation proud once again today". President Pranab Mukherjee earlier this day, joined the nation in congratulating the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for carrying out the successful launch of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III). President Mukherjee further said that the nation is proud of the significant achievement of the research department. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to his social media handle to send warm greetings to the nation's space research center for this great achievement. He further said that the mission takes India closer to the next generation launch vehicle and satellite capability. The ISRO today launched its most powerful rocket GSLV Mark III carrying GSAT-19 communication satellite from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Former ISRO Scientist, Nambi Narayanan said, "We are glad on its launch. It is a three stage vehicle and has four tones of capability and post 10 tones in lower orbit. It's is a big milestone for all of us, we also wish more clients to come". ISRO Chief Kiran Kumar also lauded his entire team who worked on the project. GSLV-Mark III was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Center at 5:28 pm. The rocket is carrying 3,136-kilogram weighed GSAT-19 communication satellite and will place it a distance of 36,000 km from earth. The rocket was developed for 15 years at a cost of around Rs. 300 crore. Dubbed by the scientists as the "Monster Rocket", it has the capability to launch satellites as heavy as 4 tonnes, i.e. 4000 kilograms. Currently, India has to take the help of foreign countries if it wants to launch communication satellites beyond 2.3 tons. With this India will be in the elite club of launching a heavy satellite. So far, the United States, Russia, Europe, China and Japan have achieved this feat. The rocket is powered by an indigenous cryogenic engine that uses liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen as propellants. The flight's launch is expected to boost India's assertions of putting humans into space. Reportedly, the ISRO has asked Rs. 12,500 crore from the Centre for its mission to place humans in space. If approved, the work is expected to take roughly seven years. The premiere space agency has already developed critical technologies for a human space mission. The space suit is ready and a crew module was tested in 2014. (ANI)