Initially, the modules will be test- flown without a crew, preceded by tests to human-rate the launch vehicle or make sure that it is safe for human flight into space.

TIRUPATI: Isro has put off by four years its first experimental manned mission — from 2020 to 2024 — on board a home-grown GSLV-III rocket.

Speaking on space technology at Indian Science Congress, Mr S. Somanath, Director, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Thiruvananthapuram, said GSLV-III will be designed to hoist a 10-tonne crew module into low earth orbit. Initially, the modules will be test- flown without a crew, preceded by tests to human-rate the launch vehicle or make sure that it is safe for human flight into space.

ISRO to launch 103 satellites

Mr S. Somanath, Director, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Thiruvanan-thapuram, said the the immediate task on hand for Indian space scientists will be the launch of a record 103 satellites by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in the first week of February. While more than 100 of these satellites belong to foreign space agencies/ universities, the workhorse rocket will also put into orbit the indigenous CARTOSAT 2-D satellite, with all satellites adding up to about 1,382 kg, he added.

Mr Somnath said during the current fiscal, Isro planned eight PSLV flights, up from six in 2016. “Our aim is to steadily increase the launches between 12 and 20 in phases with creation of necessary infrastructure. And, within the next two to three months, ISRO will carry out the “pad-abort” test to try out the crew escape system,” he said.

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