Next-Gen Launch Vehicle

Oct. 14, 2022

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing a rocket named Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) to replace the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).

About:

  • NGLV will feature semi-cryogenic propulsion (refined kerosene as fuel with liquid oxygen (LOX) as oxidiser) for the booster stages which is cheaper and efficient.
  • According to ISRO the NGLV should be a cost-efficient, three-stage, reusable heavy-lift vehicle with a payload capability of 10 tonnes to Geostationary Transfer Orbit.
  • NGLV will feature a simple, robust design which allows bulk manufacturing, modularity in systems, sub-systems and stages and minimal turnaround time.
  • Potential uses will be in the areas of launching communication satellites, deep space missions, future human spaceflight and cargo missions.

PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle):

  • It is an indigenously-developed expendable launch system of the ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization). It was developed in the 1980s.
  • It comes in the category of medium-lift launchers with a reach up to various orbits, including the Geo Synchronous Transfer Orbit, Lower Earth Orbit, and Polar Sun Synchronous Orbit.
  • All the operations of PSLV are controlled from the Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota, east coast, India.
  • It has a four-stage system comprising a combination of solid and liquid-fuelled rocket stages.
    • The first stage at the very bottom is solid fuelled having six strap-on solid rocket boosters wrapped around it.
    • Second stage is liquid fuelled whereas the third stage has a solid fuelled rocket motor.
    • At the fourth stage, the launcher uses a liquid propellant to boost in the outer space.
Source : The Hindu

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