GSLV ( Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle ) UPSC

GSLV ( Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle ) Vehicle

• Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) is a space launch vehicle designed, developed, and operated by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to launch satellites and other space objects into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits. 

• GSLV has the capability to put a heavier payload in the orbit than the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). 

• It is a three-stage launcher with strap-on motors.

• The first stage uses solid rocket motor with four liquid engine strap-on motors.

• The second stage uses a liquid rocket engine which is known as Vikas engine. 

• The third stage uses a Cryogenic engine, which uses liquefied oxygen and hydrogen as fuel. 

• In the initial launches, GSLV used the Russian cryogenic engine. 

• In 1994, ISRO started a project called Cryogenic Upper Stage Project to develop India's own cryogenic engine with the aim of ending its reliance on foreign cryogenic engines. 

• GSLV-D5 - launched on January 5, 2014 - was the first successful flight of the GSLV using the indigenous cryogenic engine, the CE-7.5.

What is cryogenic engine ?

• Cryogenics is the study of the production and behaviour of materials at extremely low temperatures (below -150 degree Centigrade) to lift and place the heavier objects in space. 
• A cryogenic engine provides more force with each kilogram of cryogenic propellant it uses compared to other propellants, such as solid and liquid propellant rocket engines and is more efficient. 
• Cryogenic engine makes use of Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) as propellants which liquefy at -183 deg C and -253 deg C respectively.

GSLV MK III

It can also carry an 8,000 kg payload and put in into the Low Earth Orbit.

The rocket is a three-stage launch vehicle which has two solid motor strapons, a liquid propellant core stage and a cryogenic stage.

This GSLV mission is significant for India as ISRO had been depending on foreign launchers for orbiting communication satellites weighing more than 2,300 kgs.

ISRO has plans to use the rocket for manned missions in the future.

ISRO has launched the GSAT-19 satellite, one of the heaviest communication satellites, with the GSLV MK III-D1 rocket. 

It is the heaviest to be launched by the Indian space agency ever with the heaviest single payload put in orbit as well.

The rocket has the capability to carry a payload as heavy as 4,000 kg and put in into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.