India launches first carrier rocket with indigenous engine

INDIA: India will launch its first powerful carrier rocket with the homemade cryogenic engine to propel a satellite into geosynchronous orbit next month, said an Indian space official on Tuesday.

The carrier rocket GSLV-D3 with the indigenous cryogenic engine is in the final stage of the assembly, said an official of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The official said, "so far, we had been using Russia-made cryogenic engines for satellite launchings."

After lifting off from the ground next month, the huge GSLV-D3 will carry an advanced communication satellite into geostationary orbit, he added. MUMBAI, Wednesday, Xinhua