This refers to the editorial, “Not fat; lean and mean” (June 7). In yet another feat after the Mars Mission and the launch of 104 satellites in one stretch, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has successfully launched the heaviest satellite launch vehicle, GSlV Mark-III, weighing about 640 tonnes. The project took about 15 years to get completed. In its first flight, the launch vehicle put a satellite weighing 3,136 kg in the orbit and it also has the capacity to launch satellites weighing up to four tonnes. Till now, India was dependent on other countries for launching satellites weighing more than 2,300 kg.
With the launch of GSlV Mark-III, India has become not only self-dependent in launching communication satellites but will also attract big business from other countries in the growing market of communications satellite launch. Moreover, the cryogenic engine, which launched the heaviest rocket, has been developed by Isro totally by indigenous technique. It may be recalled that when India tried to get the cryogenic engine from Russia, the US not only created hurdles but took steps to ensure that India doesn’t get it from any other country. Isro is one of the institutions which has made India proud in the global community.