In a landmark achievement for India's commercial space endeavors, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched its heaviest-ever foreign satellite from Indian soil. The mission, carried out by the reliable Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3), marks a significant milestone in the nation's growing footprint in the global satellite launch market.
A Powerful Launch for a Heavyweight Payload
The launch took place on a historic evening from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The mighty LVM3 rocket, formerly known as the GSLV Mk-III, roared into the skies at 12:07 AM IST, carrying the GSAT-24 communication satellite as its sole passenger. This mission was executed under a commercial arrangement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of India's Department of Space.
The payload, the GSAT-24, is a substantial 4,700 kg Ku-band communication satellite. It was built for NSIL to meet the in-orbit capacity demands of various Direct-to-Home (DTH) service providers across India. The total lift-off mass of the vehicle, including the satellite, was a staggering 5,796 kg, making this the heaviest payload launched by India for a foreign client to date.
Mission Success and Strategic Significance
The mission, designated LVM3-M3/OneWeb India-2, was declared a complete success. Approximately 20 minutes after a flawless lift-off, the satellite was precisely injected into its intended Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). This precision underscores the reliability and capability of the LVM3, which is India's most powerful launch vehicle currently in operation.
This launch is not just a technical triumph but also a major commercial and strategic one. It firmly establishes the LVM3 as a credible and competitive player in the heavy-lift launch segment of the international market. By successfully deploying such a massive satellite, ISRO and NSIL have demonstrated an ability to cater to a wider range of global customer needs, potentially attracting more high-mass satellite contracts in the future.
Boosting India's Space Commerce
The success of this mission is a powerful endorsement of India's space logistics capabilities. It highlights the nation's self-reliance in launching heavy communication satellites, which were previously often sent to foreign launch pads. The event is seen as a major boost for NSIL's business model, which aims to leverage ISRO's proven launch systems and spacecraft technology for commercial opportunities.
Furthermore, this launch is part of a broader series of commercial missions planned by ISRO. It follows previous successful dedicated commercial launches where the LVM3 deployed multiple satellites for the global communications network, OneWeb. The consistent performance builds a track record of reliability that is crucial for securing future international partnerships.
The flawless execution of the LVM3-M3 mission serves multiple purposes: it fulfills a domestic communication need through GSAT-24, strengthens India's position in the global space economy, and showcases the technical prowess of Indian scientists and engineers. As India's space sector continues to open up to private participation, such milestones provide tremendous momentum and confidence for the entire industry.
