Brief Timeline of Indian Satellite Launch Vehicles

from Jet Set Go: India's Spacebound Odyssey

Using Satellite Data to Monitor Irrigation Benefit Program

With new innovations, strategic planning, and the entry of private players in the fray, India’s spacing journey just seems to have entered a new transitory phase, as ISRO’s role evolves with time. By Sachin Awana

In a span of more than five decades, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) has achieved many milestones – from building India's first satellite Aryabhata in 1975, to placing India's first satellite, Rohini, in orbit. It has also secured distinguished landmarks such as launching 104 satellites in a single rocket (PSLVC37) in 2017, which still stands as a world record.

From nondescript beginnings, to scaling astonishing heights, India’s spacing tryst started in 1963, when sounding rockets were transported to a small fishing village on a bicycle. Over the years, India went on to develop indigenous cryogenic engines and state-of-art launch vehicles.

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Vikram Sarabhai

A Physicist, an astronomer, and a major inspiration for the Indian Space Sector, Vikram Sarabhai initiated the space research program in India. Fittingly, he is recognized as the Father of the Indian Space Program. He founded the Physcial Research Laboratory (PRL) in 1947, which is regarded as the cradle of space research in India.

ASLV

Upgrading the SLV-3, the ASLV or Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle came into existence. Designed to carry 150 kg, almost 4 times more than SLV-3, the ASLV stood 24m long. It was configured as a five-stage, all solid propelling vehicle with a lift off mass of 40 tonnes.

The technology used in ASLV demonstrated to be influential for future launch vehicles as it validated critical components such as strap-on technology, inertial navigation, bulbous heat shield, vertical integration and closed loop guidance.

SLV-3

India’s first satellite launch vehicle, the SLV-3 or Satellite Launch Vehicle 3 was an experimental launcher. It was a four-stage, all solid vehicle weighing 17 tonnes. With a height of 22m, it was capable of placing 40 kg payload in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

It was launched successfully on July 18, 1980 with the Rohini Satellite-1 (RS-1) from Sriharikota Range (SHAR). However, another test flight was launched earlier in 1979 that stood to be partially successful.

PSLV

The longest running launch vehicle in India, the PSLV or Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle took its first successful flight in October 1994. It was the first satellite developed by ISRO that had liquid stages in a 4-stage design. The PSLV-XL weighs 320 tonnes and stands 44.4 metre in height.

It emerged as a versatile launch vehicle for the Indian space sector, as it was then tasked with carrying out some of the most important space project in the country’s history. The launcher successfully launched Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft in 2008, and Mars Orbiter Spacecraft in 2013.

GSLV Mk II

The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle or GSLV Mk II became the fourth fourth generation launch vehicle in the ISRO launchers lineup. Its first flight came on April 18, 2001 when it carried GSAT-1 into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.

The GSLV MK II is a three stage rocket with a height of 51.73 metre and lift off mass of 4420 tonnes. Its primary payloads are INSAT class of communication satellites that operate from geostationary orbits.

GSLV Mk III

The latest launcher in ISRO, the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk III or GSLV Mk III is a three stage rocket with two solid stage and one liquid stage. It was first launched on December 18, 2014, and since then has been a part of some of the crucial space projects ISRO has undertaken.

The GSLV Mk III is 43.5 metre in height and has a lift-off mass of 640 tonnes. It is capable of placing 4 tonnes class GSAT series into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits. Moreover, it can place 8 tonne class payloads in LEO.