Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is working towards putting into orbit an indigenous communication satellite GSAT-19, weighing 3.3 tonne and carrying Ka/ Ku band payloads.
The satellite assembly is in advanced stages. The launch campaign for the first developmental flight of GSLV Mk-III has commenced on September 29, 2016 at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota.
ISRO is working towards increasing the payload capacity of GSLV Mk-III beyond four tonnes in the coming years. The strategies identified to achieve the increased payload capacity include performance improvement of propulsion systems, inert mass optimisation and miniaturisation of avionics system. The Chandrayaan-2, comprising of Orbiter, Lander and Rover, with a total payload mass of 3250 kg is planned to be launched onboard GSLV Mk-II during the first quarter of 2018.