Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Phase-4 Programme

The Union Cabinet has approved the ongoing Phase 4 of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) programme consisting of five rocket flights during 2021-2024.

Significance Of The Programme

The phase four will enable the launch of 2000 kg class of communication and other satellites to a GEO (or geosynchronous) orbit.

• It will make the country self-reliant in putting its 2,000 kg-class communication and weather satellites to space thereby making GSLV reliable launcher for communication, navigation and meteorological satellites and also to undertake future interplanetary missions of satellites.
• The GSLV continuation programme will meet the launch requirement of satellites for providing critical satellite navigation services, data relay communication, geo imaging and space sciences into Geosynchronous TransferOrbit(GTO)for supporting the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme (Gaganyaan) and the next interplanetary mission to Mars.

Background

The GSLV has so far launched 10 national satellites and the last one in December 2018. GSLV continuation programme was initially sanctioned in 2003 and two phases have been already completed, the third phase is in progress and expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2020-21. All the operational flights would be completed during the period 2021-24.

Facts Related GSLV

1. GSLV is a 49 m tall three stage vehicle with the first stage comprising a solid booster with four liquid strap-on motors, each weighing 40 ton. The second stage is a liquid Rocket engine which is known as Vikas engine and the third stage is the Indigenously built Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) which uses 15 ton of cryogenic propellants such as Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) as fuel and Liquid Oxygen (LOX) as Oxidiser.
2. GSLV-F11  on December 19, 2018, GSLV has successfully placed 10 national satellites.
3. Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II) is the largest launch vehicle developed by India.

Hence, GSLV Will help India to insulate from whims & uncertainties of global space launch market which is changing with shifting geo-political priorities.