GSLV with inbuilt cryogenic engine set for 2013 launch

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is all set to launch a GSLV rocket with an indigenously built cryogenic engine next year.

Speaking to reporters after delivering the convocation address at Dr M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute University on Thursday, Isro chairman Dr K. Radhakrishnan said that the Organisation planned to launch Geo-Stationery Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) with India’s indigenous cryogenic engine in the beginning of next year.

“A lot of ground tests have already been conducted and we need to do two more major ground tests, scheduled from September to November, this year. Once the tests are successful, the cryogenic stage will be integrated into the GSLV vehicle for the 2013 launch,” he said.

Asked about India’s mission to Mars, Dr Radhakrishnan said that the mission would be ready for launch next year.

“We are working for November’s target and it is very challenging for us to complete the mission before that,” he said, adding that Isro would come out with reusable launch vehicles in the next two years.

Earlier, addressing the students and faculty, the Isro chief lamented that India spent only 7.5 per cent of NASA’s total budget.

“Isro’s budget is only 0.34 per cent of the central government expenditure at present and 0.08 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

But we are one of the six space agencies in the world having capability to build and launch satellites from our own soil”, he pointed out.

A total of 440 post graduate and 1,953 undergraduate students from B.Tech, B.D.S, B.Sc (Nursing) and other programmes received their degrees on Thursday.