ISRO launches Vehicle Mark-III Rocket
ISRO Indian Space Research Organization launched the Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM-III) rocket carrying 36 OneWeb satellites from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota. Britain's Network Access Associates Limited (OneWeb Group Company) has entered into an agreement with NewSpace India Limited, the commercial arm of ISRO, to launch 72 satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This was the second launch for OneWeb under this agreement. The first 36 satellites of OneWeb Group Company were launched on 23 October 2022.
Information About lvm3
LVM3 (GSLV-Mk III) is a three stage rocket. It has two strap-on motors powered by liquid fuel first stage, solid fuel second stage and cryogenic engine third stage. ISRO's heavy lift rocket has a payload capacity of 10 tonnes in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and four tonnes in Geo Transfer Orbit (GTO). The code name of the upcoming rocket mission by ISRO is LVM3-M3/OneWeb India-2 mission. LVM 3 has done five consecutive successful missions so far including Chandrayaan-2 mission.
The rocket was launched from the second launch pad of SDSC-SHAR. Before the launch, the rocket and satellite systems were checked and fuel was also filled for the rocket. The rocket is 43.5 meters tall and weighs 643 tonnes. At the same time, the weight of 36 Gen 1 satellites is 5,805 kg. These satellites will be placed in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Only 19 minutes after the launch of the rocket, the satellites will start separating in different stages. This will be the final installment of OneWeb's 36 Gen1 satellites. After the mission is successful, India's Bharti Group and the UK government-backed UK company will have 618 satellites orbiting in space. OneWeb now has 582 satellites in orbit.