Context

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).

About

What are launch vehicles?

• 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.

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.
• Some Successful launches:
  • Launched two spacecraft "Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and Mars Orbiter Spacecraft in 2013that 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.