ISRO's next rocket capable of launching 75,000 kg payload

THE Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing a rocket capable of placing a 75,000 kg payload into low earth orbit, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan announced at the 84th convocation of Osmania University on Tuesday.

- Express News Service @Hyderabad

Delivering the convocation address, Narayanan said the proposed rocket would be as tall as a 40-storey building. "The first launcher, built under the leadership of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, had a 17-tonne lift-off mass and could place 35 kg in low earth orbit. Today, we are working on a rocket that can carry 75,000 kg," he said.

Narayanan outlined ISRO's upcoming projects, including the launch of a Navigation with Indian Constellation (NaVIC) satellite, the N1 rocket, and the placement of a 6,500 kg communication satellite for the United States into orbit using Indian rockets. The agency also plans to launch the Technology Demonstration Satellite (TDS) and GSAT-7R, a military communication satellite for the Indian Navy, this year.