Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is an expendable launch system operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is designed to launch satellites into polar orbits, which are particularly useful for earth observation, weather forecasting, and remote sensing missions.
History and Development
- Conception: The PSLV project was conceptualized in the early 1980s when India recognized the need for an indigenous launch capability to place satellites into polar orbits, which was not efficiently served by the existing Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
- First Launch: The PSLV had its first successful launch on September 20, 1993, with the deployment of the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS-1E). However, this launch was considered partially successful due to a failure in the satellite's solar panels.
- Evolution: Over the years, ISRO has upgraded the PSLV, introducing various configurations like PSLV-CA (Core Alone), PSLV-XL, and PSLV-DL, each designed to handle different payload capacities and mission profiles.
Design and Capabilities
- Stages: The PSLV consists of four stages, all using solid and liquid fuel:
- First Stage: Uses solid propellant with six strap-on boosters.
- Second Stage: Uses solid propellant.
- Third Stage: Uses liquid propellant.
- Fourth Stage: Uses liquid propellant (PSLV-CA) or solid propellant (PSLV-XL).
- Payload Capacity:
- Into Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO): 1,750 kg
- Into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO): 1,425 kg
- Launch Sites: Primarily launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Notable Missions
- Chandrayaan-1: Launched on October 22, 2008, PSLV-C11 successfully placed India's first lunar probe into orbit.
- Mangalyaan: On November 5, 2013, PSLV-C25 launched the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), making India the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit.
- Record-breaking Launch: In February 2017, PSLV-C37 set a world record by launching 104 satellites in a single mission.
Significance
The PSLV has become a cornerstone of India's space program, offering cost-effective launches and demonstrating high reliability. Its success has positioned ISRO as a key player in the global launch market, attracting international customers for satellite deployment.
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