GSLV

GEOSYNCHRONOUS SATELLITE LAUNCH VEHICLE

(GSLV)

About the Launch Vehicle

Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II) is the largest launch vehicle developed by India, which is currently in operation. This fourth generation launch vehicle is a three stage vehicle with four liquid strap-ons. The indigenously developed cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS), which is flight proven, forms the third stage of GSLV Mk II. From January 2014, the vehicle has achieved four consecutive successes.

Vehicle Specifications

Height: 49.13 m

Number of Stages: 3

Lift Off Mass: 414.75 tonnes

First Flight: April 18, 2001

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Payload to GTO: 2,500 kg

GSLV's primary payloads are INSAT class of communication satellites that operate from Geostationary orbits and hence are placed in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits by GSLV.

Payload to LEO: 5,000 kg

Further, GSLV's capability of placing up to 5 tonnes in Low Earth Orbits broadens the scope of payloads from heavy satellites to multiple smaller satellites.

Third Stage: CUS

Developed under the Cryogenic Upper Stage Project (CUSP), the CE-7.5 is India's first cryogenic engine, developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. CE-7.5 has a staged combustion operating cycle.

Fuel: LOX + LH₂

Max. Thrust: 75 kN

Burn-time: 720 sec

Second Stage: GS2

One Vikas engine is used in the second stage of GSLV. The stage was derived from the PS2 of PSLV where the Vikas engine has proved its reliability.

Engine: Vikas

Fuel: UDMH + N₂O₄

Max. Thrust: 800 kN

Burntime: 150 sec

First Stage: GS1

The first stage of GSLV was also derived from the PSLV's PS1. The 138 tonne solid rocket motor is augmented by 4 liquid strap-ons.

Engine: S139