ISRO to launch GSAT-19 satellite today using rocket as heavy as 200 elephants

The countdown to the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) all-important mission to place communication satellite GSAT-19 into space using the 'fatboy' rocket has started.

The 'fatboy' rocket--GSLV-Mark III--weighs as much as 200 full-grown elephants or five fully-loaded Boeing Jumbo jets. It is the heaviest launch vehicle India has used till date.

The GSLV-Mark III or the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark III weighs 640 tonnes and stands 43.43 metre tall.

The GSLV-Mark III, carrying the communication satellite, will take off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh today at 5.28 pm.

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