Manish Kumar asked: What is difference between GSLV MK-II and GSLV-D6?

Ajey Lele replies: The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) is being developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to launch heavy satellites (two to six tons in weight) in the outer space. One important version of this vehicle is GSLV MK-II. It is meant to lift satellites in the weight category 2.5 tons to 5 tons. This is a three-stage launch vehicle with first stage using solid rocket motor, second stage using liquid fuel, and the third stage, called Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS), using cryogenic engine.

GSLV-D6 is the ninth flight of India’s GSLV. It is also the fifth developmental flight of GSLV. This is the third time the indigenously-developed CUS is being carried on-board during a GSLV flight. A satellite called GSAT-6, weighing 2,117 kg, was successfully launched during August 2015 by using GSLV-D6 vehicle.

Posted on November 16, 2015