PSLV ( Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle ) UPSC

Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)

• The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, usually known by its abbreviation PSLV is the first operational launch vehicle of ISRO. 

• PSLV is capable of launching 1750 kg satellites in 600 km sun-synchronous polar orbit and 1425 kg satellite in geosynchronous transfer orbit. 

• PSLV 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.

• Apart from the regular version, PSLV is used in its Core Alone configuration and an XL Version. 

• Core Alone version is launched without six strap-on boosters and less propellant in its upper stage – a configuration specifically used in the missions featuring small payloads. 

• The XL version of PSLV is launched with extra propellant in the strap-on solid rocket boosters for increasing the payload capacity.

• The reliability rate of PSLV has been superb. 

• Some remarkable launches by PSLV are 

• Chandrayaan-1 (First Indian lunar probe), 
• Mangalyaan-1 (First Mars Orbiter Mission by India) and 
• Astrosat (First Indian dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory).

• PSLV has rightfully earned the status of workhorse launch vehicle of ISRO.