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A sub-orbital flight test of the GLSV Mk3 launcher, sans its cryogenic third stage, is planned for April 2014, ISRO Chairman K Radhakrishnan told the Annual General Meeting of the Confederation of Indian Industry in New Delhi on April 3, 2013.
"The first experimental flight of the GSLV Mark III will take place one year from now," K Radhakrishnan said. [via PTI]
The flight was earlier scheduled for December 2012 with orbital flights starting in 2014 [via NASASpaceflight.com]. The suborbital launch was then rescheduled for December 2013.
It is likely that the new delay was caused by ISRO's focus on the Mars Orbiter due for launch in October 2013, and the upcoming second test of the ISRO developed cryogenic rocket motor that is critical for realizing the GLSV Mk 3.
In Jan-Feb 2012, ISRO fully assembled a GSLV Mk3 in Sriharikota and integrated it on the second launch pad. A series of tests were done followed by a detailed review by experts.
The launcher was initially expected to become operational by 2010/2011 with first flight in 2009-10.
The failure of ISRO developed cryogenic upper stage on April 15, 2010 has led to a prolonged delay in the first flight of GSLV Mk-3.
The GSLV Mk-3 is critical for ISRO's Human Spaceflight Program. In order to man-rate the new launcher, ISRO would need a perfect launch record, so understandably ISRO is being careful.
With first flight now scheduled for April 2014, it is likely the first orbital flight will take place in 2016. ISRO would then need several more successful launches to declare the launcher safe for manned flight.
First manned flight is unlikely before 2020, possibly 2-3 years later.
For detailed information on the GSLV Mk-3 project, please visit the link below.
GSLV Mk-3 First Flight Pushed Back to April 2014
