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

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_Vehicle_Mk_III http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geosynchronous_Satellite_Launch... [2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISRO_Orbital_Vehicle http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISRO_Orbital_Vehicle LVM3-X info: http://isro.org/gslv-mkiii-x/gslv-mk-iii-x.aspx http://isro.org/gslv-mkiii-x/gslv-mk-iii-x.aspx Crew Module info: http://isro.org/gslv-mkiii-x/care.aspx http://isro.org/gslv-mkiii-x/care.aspx LVM3-X mission page: http://isro.org/gslv-mkiii-x/mission.aspx http://isro.org/gslv-mkiii-x/mission.aspx