India set to debut GSLV Mk.III launch vehicle with prototype crew capsule

LVM3 experimental mission was a success! The launch vehicle performed flawlessly, and the crew module payload re-entered atmosphere and splashed down in Indian ocean.

LVM3 (also called as GSLV Mk3) is the next-generation heavy lift launch vehicle developed by Indian space agency ISRO. It's a three stage vehicle - 2x solid boosters in first stage, dual-engine liquid motor in second stage and a cryogenic upper stage[1].

Today's flight was an experimental sub-orbital mission (LVM3-X) to quality its atmospheric flight regime. LVM3-X didn't had the upper cryogenic stage.

LVM3-X also carried a Crew Module[2] weighing 3.7 ton as its payload. ISRO tested crew module atmoshperic re-entry, guidance systems, parachutes and splashdown in this mission.

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geosynchronous_Satellite_Launch...

[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISRO_Orbital_Vehicle

LVM3-X info: http://isro.org/gslv-mkiii-x/gslv-mk-iii-x.aspx

Crew Module info: http://isro.org/gslv-mkiii-x/care.aspx

LVM3-X mission page: http://isro.org/gslv-mkiii-x/mission.aspx

Brochure: http://isro.org/gslv-mkiii-x/pdf/GSLV-MK-III-X-brochure.pdf

Live telecast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBIcP7V8MKo and http://webcast.isro.gov.in/