The most powerful rocket from ISRO LVM3 will launch OneWeb''s 36 broadband satellites from the spaceport in Sriharikota on October 23, marking the launcher''s entry into the global commercial launch service market. LVM3 was previously referred to as GSLV Mk III.
The launch of the ''LVM3 - M2/OneWeb India-1 Mission'' will be held at 12:07am IST on October 23 (midnight of October 22) according to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in Bengaluru.
"Cryo stage and equipment bay (EB) assembly have been completed. Satellites are encapsulated and assembled in the vehicle. Final vehicle inspections are in progress," said the company.
According to ISRO, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a central public sector corporation (CPSE) under the Department of Space and the commercial arm of the space agency, had signed two launch service agreements with Network Access Associates Limited (OneWeb) for the use of OneWeb''s LVM3 (low earth orbit) broadband communications satellites.
"It''s the first commercial launch of LVM3-described on demand through NSIL," ISRO told reporters.
"This contract with M/s OneWeb is a significant milestone for NSIL and ISRO, as LVM3, continues to enter the global commercial launch service market," the company said.
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The latest rocket is capable of launching a four-tonne class of satellites into a Geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO).
LVM3 is a three-stage vehicle with two strong motor strap-ons, a liquid propellant core stage, and a cryogenic stage.
Bharti Enterprises, a major investor and shareholder in OneWeb, is an important company.