ISRO’s own Next-Generation Launch Vehicle may assume PSLV’s role

New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing a Next-Gen Launch Vehicle (NGLV), which will replace operational systems like the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), ISRO Chairman S. Somanath said.

PSLV, often dubbed the ‘trusted workhouse’, will have to retire one day, Mr. Somnath said during a three-day Engineers Conclave 2022, which opened at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Valiyamala.

In NGLV, ISRO is understood to be looking at a cost-efficient, three-stage, reusable heavy-lift vehicle with a payload capability of 10 tonnes to Geostationary Transfer Orbit. NGLV will feature semi-cryogenic propulsion for the booster stages which is cheaper and more efficient, he said.

“We believe at least 10-tonne capability to GTO is needed. Correspondingly, the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) capability will be twice that. However, payload capability will be lower when the rocket is reusable,” he added.

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