If by "Load capability" they mean maximum payload capacity than that is indeed disappointing. MK-3 was intended to have GTO capacity of 4 tons from the start. However it would explain why the inclusion of the SC-200 core would only increase GTO capacity to around 5.5 ton instead of 6.5 ton given the shortfall in base config performance.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has slated its next launch mission, an Earth observation satellite, tentatively for August. The last one was in April.The upcoming episode will include 25 to 30 small secondary foreign satellites as passengers on the light payload lifting rocket, PSLV-C42.
Yes, what about that? GSLV Mark 3 was originally supposed to be launched in May-June. And then July was mentioned. Is this just an oversight by the media, or misunderstanding i.e they mistook "next PSLV launch" for "next launch". I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for a July lift-off.
GSLV-MkIII-D2/GSAT-29 Mission is scheduled to be launched during the second half of 2018.
Today (July 15, 2018), a high thrust version of the Vikas Engine was successfully qualified through a ground test for a duration of 195 seconds at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamilnadu. Vikas Engine is the workhorse liquid rocket engine powering the second stage of India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), second stage and the four strap on stages of Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and the twin engine core liquid stage (L110) of GSLV Mk-III.This ground test has validated the performance adequacy of the Vikas Engine for its use in the upcoming second developmental flight of GSLV Mk-III
"I think GSAT-29 won’t be launched until September or even October." Then there should be a number of launches around that time or before. Besides the PSLV with 30 odd satellites, there's a scheduled GSLV Mark 2 with GSAT-7A, the Chandrayaan-2 mission, plus one more PSLV with an IRNSS. Also, GSAT-11 via Ariane.
After a dull period this year, launch activity will pick up pace from September, first when the space agency will launch two UK satellites- dedicated commercial launches- on the PSLV-c42. In October, the GSLV MK-III D2 will launch the GSAT-29, following which the PSLV-c43 will launch a hyper-spectral imaging satellite with 30 commercial co-passengers.
In October, Isro will launch GSLV MkIII-D2, also known as 'bahubali'. This will be the second launch of Isro's most powerful rocket with 4-tonne lifting capability. The rocket will lift off with GSAT-29 satellite with multi-beam and optical communication payloads, which will help bridge the digital divide in rural regions.
When is GSAT-29 going to be launched ? Any exact date ?
Outlining the road map for ISRO, Mr. Sivan said the next six months will see 18 missions - 10 satellite missions and 8 launch vehicle missions. "We are almost going to have one launch every two weeks. Definitely the load on us is going to be huge," he said.
Among the slew of launches scheduled over the next few months, the much-awaited and delayed, India's second lunar mission, Chandrayaan-2 finally has a launch window."Chandrayaan-2 is planned for a window from January 3 to February 16, 2019 that we are targeting. It can happen anytime during that window. But we are aiming for the beginning of the window, January 3," Mr. Sivan said."Right now with the status of the rocket, the GSLV Mk-3 M1, and the present status of the satellite, we are not expecting any more delay. At the same time tests are going on. If unexpected things happen, that may have some impact. But right now, we are not anticipating any delay."
"Right now with the status of the rocket, the GSLV Mk-3 M1, and the present status of the satellite, we are not expecting any more delay. At the same time tests are going on. If unexpected things happen, that may have some impact. But right now, we are not anticipating any delay."