The heaviest rocket of Indian Space Research Organisation, GSLV MkIII, is all set to launch OneWeb communication constellation’s 36 satellites at 7 am, 23 October, from the nation’s sole space port at Andhra Pradesh, Sriharikota. GSLV MkIII will make it’s entry into the world market for commercial launch services with this launch.The space agency has also made the viewing gallery available for the first time since pandemic for public to attend the launch.

Network Access Associated Limited of the United Kingdom purchased the launch atop India’s heaviest rocket through New Space India Limited, one of the commercial branches of the space agency. OneWeb is a constellation of satellites in low earth orbit that is supported by the Bharti group that offers broadband services.

ISRO said in a tweet that “LVM3 – M2/OneWeb India-1 Mission: Launch scheduled at 0007 hrs. IST on October 23, 2022. Cryo stage, equipment bay (EB) assembly completed. Satellites are encapsulated and assembled in the vehicle. Final vehicle checks are in progress.”India’s largest rocket is being used for a commercial launch for the first time. Additionally, this will be the first time a rocket other than Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), India’s workhorse, is being used to conduct a commercial launch.

This will be the GSLV Mk III’s second launch since carrying India’s second lunar mission, Chandrayaan-2, after it joined the ISRO fleet following two development flights.