Context:
Recently, ISRO formalised ‘Project SOORYA’, to start build the New Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).
Project SOORYA:
- Aim –To develop NGLV and build the country’s own space station to send Indians to the Moon
- Requirement – 3rd launch pad at Sriharikota needed as NGLV’s configuration is different from the current class of rockets
- India’s Space Vision 2047 – Helps to achieve the goals of building a space station by 2035 and eventually sending Indians to Moon
- Participation – ISRO provides technical support and private industry is expected to handle building, operations and launches
New Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV):
- India’s biggest rocket (expected to be ready by 2034-35)
- Features of NGLV –
- A 3-stage launch vehicle
- Fuel – Green fuel combinations (methane-liquid oxygen or kerosene-liquid oxygen)
- Payload capacity – Up to 10 tonnes to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO)
- Reusability – Recoverable parts are and can be reflown
- Cost-competitive rocket – Reusability reduces the launch costs, of around $1,900 per kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), compared to $3,000/kg for an expendable configuration.
Related articles: GSLV and PSLV
Source: Times of India
Previous Year Question
With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:
1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four- staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 3 only
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Statement 2 is not correct:
Satellites launched by GSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
Statement 3 is not correct:
PSLV is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
GSLV Mk III is a three-staged launch vehicle with 1st stage using solid rocket motor, 2nd stage using liquid fuel and 3rd stage using cryogenic engine.
