ISRO’s next-Gen Launch Vehicle

Recently, addressing a three-day Engineers conclave 2022, the ISRO chairman has announced to launch Next-Gen Launch Vehicle (NGLV), which is-going to replace operational systems like the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).

• What are launch vehicles?

  Retired Launchers SLV-3 ASLV

  • Launchers or Launch Vehicles are used to carry spacecraft to space. India has two operational launchers:
    • Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
    • Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)

  What is the New-Gen Launch Vehicle (NGLV)?

  • NGLV is aimed at a cost-efficient, three-stage to orbit, reusable heavy-lift vehicle with a payload capability of ten tonnes to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO).
  • It is featured, with semi-cryogenic propulsion (refined kerosene as fuel with liquid oxygen (LOX) as oxidiser) for the booster stages, which is cheaper and efficient.
  • Design:
  • Design will be simple and robust which allows bulk manufacturing, modularity in systems, sub-systems and stages and minimal turnaround time.
  • Uses: Potential uses will be in the areas of launching communication satellites, deep space missions, future human spaceflight and cargo missions.

  In Conclusion, It will replace the PSLV launch vehicle and aimed to be more efficient than, other launch vehicles of ISRO.

  The PSLV:

  • Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is the third generation launch vehicle of India.
  • It is the first Indian launch, vehicle to be equipped with liquid stages.
  • After its first successful launch in October 1994. PSLV emerged as a reliable and versatile workhorse launch vehicle of India.
  • The vehicle has launched numerous, Indian and foreign customer satellites.
  • Some Successful launches:
  • Launched two spacecraft "Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and Mars Orbiter Spacecraft in 2013" that later travelled to Moon and Mars, respectively.
  • The launch of PSLV-C48 marks the 50th Launch of PSLV.
  • PSLV earned its title, 'the workhorse of ISRO' through consistently delivering various satellites into low earth orbits. particularly the IRS Series of satellites.
  • The PSLV is capable of placing multiple payloads into orbit, thus multi-payload adaptors are used in the payload fairing.