GSLV Mk III – ISRO (Rocket Launcher Details)

GSLV Mk III is three stage heavy lift launch vehicle with a higher payload designed and developed by an Indian space agency namely the Indian space Research Organization (ISRO) which is the main moto to launch any satellites to the geostationary orbit within its capacity.

The first successful orbital test was conducted on 5th June 2017 at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Andhra Pradesh by ISRO with a spending cost of ₹367Crore.

Post well tested of the launcher again Indian govt sanctioned $580 million to build 10 GSLV Mk III rockets within a course of 5years.

Till now this rocket has been used for several successful missions like Care, Space capsule,2nd Lunar mission and Chandrayaan-2, For the upcoming Gaganyaan crewed mission also it was recommended to use which is under IHSP(Indian Human Spaceflight Programme).

GSLV Mk III Full Form

The full form of GSLV Mk III is Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III, Which is the biggest launch vehicle as of now by India to provide maximum thrust to carry the satellite to orbit.

GSLV Mk III – ISRO (Rocket Launcher Details)

In the ever-evolving landscape of space exploration, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has solidified its position as a pioneering force with its GSLV Mk III rocket launcher. This monumental achievement showcases India’s technological prowess on the global stage. Let’s delve into the intricacies of the GSLV Mk III and unravel the remarkable journey of its development, capabilities, and significance in the field of space exploration.

The Genesis of GSLV Mk III:

A New Horizon in Rocketry

The GSLV Mk III, often referred to as LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), was conceptualized to address the burgeoning demands of launching heavier payloads into space. It symbolizes a new horizon in rocketry, boasting enhanced capabilities and a higher payload capacity than its predecessors.

ISRO’s Unwavering Dedication

The GSLV Mk III project was a testament to ISRO’s unwavering dedication to pushing technological boundaries. The endeavor was driven by a vision to reduce dependency on foreign launch vehicles and establish India as a self-reliant space powerhouse.

GSLV Mk III Features

Powerhouse Propulsion

At the heart of GSLV Mk III’s capabilities lies its powerful engine system. It is propelled by two solid rocket boosters, designated as S200, which provide the initial thrust during liftoff. These boosters, each generating an astounding 5000 kN of thrust, catapult the rocket with unparalleled force.

Liquid Core Stage

The rocket’s core stage is propelled by liquid engines known as L110. These engines operate on a mixture of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, delivering remarkable efficiency and thrust. The meticulous engineering of the core stage enables it to withstand the extreme conditions of space travel.

Cryo Upper Stage

Taking efficiency a step further, the GSLV Mk III employs a cryogenic upper stage, designated C25. This stage utilizes liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen to propel the rocket once it reaches the edge of Earth’s atmosphere. The precision of the cryogenic stage ensures optimal fuel consumption and accurate payload deployment.

A Launch Vehicle with Global Significance

Enhancing Payload Capacities

One of the standout features of the GSLV Mk III is its impressive payload capacity. With the ability to carry payloads weighing up to 4,000 kilograms to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) and 10,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit (LEO), the GSLV Mk III bridges the gap for launching heavy satellites and payloads.

Revolutionizing Communication

The GSLV Mk III has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing communication and broadcasting services. By facilitating the launch of heavier communication satellites, it has expanded the scope and quality of communication networks, thereby fostering global connectivity.

GSLV Mk III’s Achievements

Chandrayaan-2 Mission

In a monumental leap, the GSLV Mk III carried the Chandrayaan-2 mission to explore the lunar surface. This mission showcased India’s prowess in space exploration by successfully delivering an orbiter, lander, and rover to study the Moon’s uncharted terrains.

Mangalyaan Mission

GSLV Mk III’s achievements extend beyond Earth’s orbit. It propelled the Mars Orbiter Mission, colloquially known as Mangalyaan, to Mars. This mission etched India’s name in history as the fourth space agency to reach Mars and the first to do so in its maiden attempt.

GSLV Mk III Design

It devided into two parts one is first stage and another one into the second stage.

1st Stage: it consists of two S200 solid fuel booster which helps to provide thrust to the vehicle. To control the vehicle electro hydraulic actuators are there. For each 130sec the booster generates 3,578.2KiloNewton thrust to the rocket.

2nd Stage: this is the liquid fuel part where it contains 110metric tons of UDMH and N₂O₄(Nitrogen Tetroxide). Basically this will be taken care of the two Vikas 2 engines which generate 766 kilonewton thrust per engine. Vikas engine is also known to provide cooling with managing weight during the appropriate stage.

CE-20: This is used on the design to make sure it will produce 200Kilonewton of thrust to pump the launcher. This is also the first gas generator cryogenic engine made by the country.

Vehicle Keypoints

1. GSLV MK III is a heavy lift launch vehicle.
2. It is capable to carry satellites into Geosynchronous Orbit upto a weight of 4ton and 10ton to a low earth orbit.
3. Two liquid boosters S200 were attached either side of the rocket for lift off.
4. Launcher GSLV Mk III-D1 with payload GSAT-19 launched on 5th June 2017, SDSC, Sriharikota.
5. Launcher GSLV Mk III-D2 with payload GSAT-29 also launched on 14th November 2018, SDSC, Sriharikota.
6. Second lunar mission also succeeded through this GSLV.

Specification of GSLV

there are a number of important specifications are there which are listed one by one below:

Payload to GTO

The full form of GTO is Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits. It was designed to carry 4000kg of class satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits of GSAT series like GSAT-19.

Payload to LEO

The fullform of LEO is Low Earth Orbit and it was designed to carry 8000kg of class satellites into Low Earth Orbit of GSAT series like GSAT-29.

Cryogenic Engine

Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre has developed and architected namely CE-20, the biggest cryogenic engine of India. The height of the engine is 13.5 m whereas the diameter is 4m with a fuel capacity of 28ton.

Solid Rocket Boosters

There are a total of two solid rocket boosters are attached to either side of the rocket launcher to yield the heavy thrust required by the vehicle to lift off from the base. This will require a fuel of 205ton with a height of 25m and a diameter of 3.2m.

Core Stage

The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre also designed and manufactured the L110 which was empowered by 2 vikash engine. The height and diameter of the stage is around 21m and 4m with a fues capacity of 110ton.

Uses of GSLV Mk III

GSLV Mk III is a launcher rocket which was used in lifting of several satellites to the earth orbit whether it may be Geosynchronous or Low earth orbit for the communication. All the launches are listed below:

Conclusion

The GSLV Mk III stands as a beacon of India’s technological ingenuity and commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration. With its remarkable features, achievements, and capabilities, it has rightfully earned its place among the elite league of launch vehicles worldwide. As we look toward the future, the GSLV Mk III continues to inspire generations and pave the way for even more audacious feats in the cosmos.

In the grand tapestry of space exploration, the GSLV Mk III remains a bold brushstroke, painting the canvas of human achievement with the hues of innovation and determination