India takes big step to satellite-launch autonomy, sets sights on global competition

by Peter B. de Selding

PARIS — It took the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) 20 years to develop and perfect its GSLV Mark 3 rocket, designed to free India from dependence on foreign rockets to place heavier Indian satellites into orbit.

It took less than an hour after the successful June 5 launch for ISRO officials to begin sketching a future in which India’s launcher goes beyond providing self-sufficiency to become a world-beater on the commercial launch market, capable of besting its U.S. and European competitors.

“Today is a historic . . .

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