Launchers or Launch Vehicles
ยท
Launchers
or Launch Vehicles are used to carry spacecraft to space. India has three active operational launch vehicles:
o
Polar
Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV),
o
Geosynchronous
Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV),
o Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk-III (LVM3).
ยท
PSLV is configured with
four variants like 6,4,2 solid rocket strap-on motors& core alone versions.
Variants will be chosen based on the payload weights & orbit to be
accomplished. PSLV has been a versatile launch vehicle deployed for launching
all the three types of payloads viz.
Earth Observation, Geo-stationary and Navigation. It has got highest success
rate and considered as work horse of ISRO.
GSLV
ยท GSLV
with indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage
has enabled the launching up to 2 tonne class of communication satellites.
LVM3:
ยท The
LVM3 is the next generation launch
vehicle capable of launching 4 tonne class of communication satellites and
10 tonne class of payloads to LEOs. The vehicle was developed with
completely indigenized technologies including the C25 cryo stage. The launch
vehicle has a track record of all successful launches even from the first
development flight.
HRLV
ยท The
Human rated LVM3 is identified as the
launch vehicle for Gaganyaan mission, which is named as HRLV.
Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)
ยท The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is being developed with complete indigenous technologies to meet the small satellite lunch market on demand driven basis
Launching Stations
and ISRO centres
ISRO's Launch Vehicle
Programme spans numerous centres.
ยท
Vikram Sarabhai Space
Centre, located in Thiruvananthapuram, is responsible for the design and
development of launch vehicles.
ยท
Liquid Propulsion
Systems Centre and ISRO Propulsion Complex, located at Valiamala and
Mahendragiri
respectively, develop the liquid and cryogenic stages for these launch
vehicles.
ยท
SatishDhawan Space
Centre, SHAR,
in Sriharikotais the space port of India and is responsible for integration of
launchers. It houses two operational launch for launching ISRO's launch
vehicles.
ยท
National Remote
Sensing Centre (NRSC) in Hyderabad
ยท Space Application Centre in Ahmedabad
Test Yourself:
Q.31
Which one of the following countries has its own Satellite Navigation System?
(Prelims 2023)
a.
Australia b.
Canada c.
Israel d.
Japan
Ans:
d
Q.32
With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS),
consider the following statements: (Prelims 2018)
IRNSS
has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous
orbits. IRNSS
covers entire India and about 5500 sq. Km beyond its borders. India
will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by
the middle of 2019. Which
of the statements given above is/are correct? (a)
1 only (b)
1 and 2 only (c)
2 and 3 only (d)
None
Ans: (a) Mains
Q.9
Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does
it help in navigation? (2018)
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