For the first time, GSLV will be powered by India's own cryogenic upper stage
GSLV-D3 is 49 metres tall and weighs 419 tonnes
[The Hindu] CHENNAI: Things are getting set for the lift-off of the GSLV-D3 (Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle – Development flight 3) from Sriharikota on April 15 around 4.30 p.m. The three stages of the gigantic vehicle have already been stacked up in the sophisticated Vehicle Assembly Building in the second launch pad on the seashore. It will put in orbit an advanced communication satellite called GSAT-4.
India’s existing Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle rockets can ferry a 2,000kg- class satellite towards a geostationary orbit 37,000km above Earth. The GSLV-Mk3 is expected to carry a 4,000kg-class satellite towards a geostationary orbit.