Bangalore: An advanced version of geo-synchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV Mk- III) with a capability to launch four tonne satellites into geo-synchronous transfer orbit (GTO) will be developed by 2009, according to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

"The development is expected to take about six years," ISRO said in its annual report for 2002-03.

Presently, ISRO is launching the heavier communication satellites into space using the European Ariane Space launch vehicles from Kourou in French Guyana.

GSLV Mk-III will be a three-stage vehicle with a 110 tonne core liquid propellant stage and strap-on-stage with two solid propellant motors, each, with 200 tonne propellant, ISRO said.

ISRO is developing a series of earth observation satellites, which include IRS-P6 (RESOURCESAT) planned for launch using the indigenous polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV) later this year.

IRS-P6 to be placed in a sun-synchronous polar orbit of 800 kms, will not only provide service continuity to IRS-1C and IRS-1D, but also enhance the service capabilities in the areas of agriculture, disaster management, land and water resources with better resolution imageries.

IRS-P5 (CARTOSAT-1) satellite, which is primarily intended for advanced cartographic applications, is planned for launch by PSLV in 2004-05, ISRO said in the report.

An advanced remote sensing satellite, CARTOSAT-2, with a single panchromatic camera capable of providing scene specific spot imageries for cartographic applications is planned to be launched during 2004-05, the annual report said.

The panchromatic camera is designed to provide better than one metre spatial resolution imageries with a swath of 10 kms, the report said.

ISRO is planning to launch an all-weather and all day-night observation capability, radar imaging satellite (RISAT) during 2006, the report said.

RISAT, with a five years mission life, envisages to support and augment the operational remote sensing programme by enhancing agricultural and disaster applications, it said.

PTI