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India launches largest rocket and unmanned capsule | India launches largest rocket and unmanned capsule |
(35 minutes later) | |
India has successfully launched its largest rocket and an unmanned capsule which could send astronauts into space. | India has successfully launched its largest rocket and an unmanned capsule which could send astronauts into space. |
The 630-tonne Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (MK III) blasted off from Sriharikota in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday morning. | The 630-tonne Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (MK III) blasted off from Sriharikota in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday morning. |
The new rocket will be able to carry heavier satellites into space. | The new rocket will be able to carry heavier satellites into space. |
India has successfully launched lighter satellites in recent years, but has faced problems sending up heavier payloads. | India has successfully launched lighter satellites in recent years, but has faced problems sending up heavier payloads. |
The new rocket is capable of carrying communication satellites weighing 4,000kg, reports say, meaning India will not have to rely on foreign launchers to do so. | |
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted after the launch: "Successful launch of GSLV MK-III is yet another triumph of brilliance & hard work of our scientists. Congrats to them for the efforts." | |
K Radhakrishnan, chairman of the Indian Space and Research Organization (Isro), said the launch marked a "very significant day in India's space history". | |
The rocket's main cargo was an Indian-made capsule capable of carrying two to three astronauts into space. | |
Isro said the capsule has "safely splashed down into Bay of Bengal off Andaman and Nicobar Islands" and that the experiment was successful. | |
Isro has sought funding from the government to send its astronauts into space and the successful launch could be the first step towards boosting its claim, correspondents say. | |
India is emerging as a major player in the multi-billion dollar space market and has undertaken several missions. | India is emerging as a major player in the multi-billion dollar space market and has undertaken several missions. |
In September, it successfully put a satellite into orbit around Mars, becoming the fourth nation or geo-bloc to do so. | In September, it successfully put a satellite into orbit around Mars, becoming the fourth nation or geo-bloc to do so. |
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