ISRO's GSLV MKIII-D1 mission in photos: Witness India's heaviest rocket blasting off

[caption id=“attachment_380450” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”]  The GSLV MK III is India’s heaviest rocket yet. Image: ISRO[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_380451” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”]  The rocket is called “fat boy” by ISRO scientists, but the Telegu media has christened it “Baahubali” because of its heavy lift capabilities. Image: ISRO[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_380452” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”]  The rocket blasted off from the second launch pad at ISRO’s launch facility in Sriharikota. Image: ISRO[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_380453” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”]  The GSLV MK III uses more indigenous components than any other launch vehicle in the ISRO fleet. Image: ISRO[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_380454” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”]  The GSLV MK III or a variant is expected to be the rocket used for the first manned mission by India. Image: ISRO[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_380455” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”]  The GSLV can deploy a four ton payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit, allowing for India to commercialise launch services for heavier satellites. Image: ISRO[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_380456” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”]  The fully integrated GSLV at the launch pad. Image: ISRO[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_380457” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”]  The GSAT-19 is a high capacity communications satellites, and will boost the internet speeds in India, especially in rural and remote areas. Image: ISRO[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_380458” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”]  The indigenously developed high thrust cryogenic engine performed perfectly. Image: ISRO[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_380459” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”]  The GLSV MKIII used two strap on boosters. Image: ISRO[/caption]