GSLV-D3 will be launched from the Second Launch Pad (SLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota on April 15th. GSLV-D3 flight is momentous since the indigenously developed Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) is flight tested in this mission.
This is the 1st time GSLV is carrying the indigenous CUS as its 3rd stage instead of the Russian supplied Cryogenic Stage (CS), which was carried during its earlier flights.
GSLV is planned to launch 2220 kg GSAT-4, an experimental advanced technology communication satellite that carries communication and navigation payloads, into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Besides having the indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage for the first time, in another major change, GSLV-D3 is carrying Advanced Mission Computer (AMC) and Advanced Telemetry System (ATS) packages.
GSLV, carrying the indigenous CUS, is designated as GSLV MkII. Envisaged mainly as a technology demonstrator for advanced satellite communications, GSAT-4 will enable the testing of many future communication satellite technologies. After reaching GTO, GSAT-4 will use its own propulsion system to reach its geostationary orbital home and will be stationed at 82 deg East longitude there.