Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is an expendable medium-lift launch vehicle designed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Here is detailed information about PSLV:
History
Development of the PSLV began in the early 1980s with the goal of establishing India's capability to launch its own satellites into orbit, especially into Polar Orbits. The first successful launch of PSLV took place on October 20, 1994, when it placed the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite 1C (IRS-1C) into a sun-synchronous orbit.
Design and Configuration
- Stages: PSLV typically consists of four stages. The first stage uses solid fuel, the second stage can be either liquid or solid fueled, and the upper stages are powered by liquid engines.
- Payload Capacity: The PSLV can lift up to 1,750 kg into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) and up to 3,800 kg into a Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
- Variants: Over the years, ISRO has developed several variants of the PSLV:
- PSLV-CA (Core Alone) - Without strap-on motors.
- PSLV-XL - With six strap-on motors.
- PSLV-DL - With two strap-on motors.
- PSLV-QL - With four strap-on motors.
Missions
PSLV has been used for a variety of missions:
- Launching Indian satellites for communication, navigation, and remote sensing.
- Deploying international satellites, showcasing India's capability in the global launch market.
- Notably, PSLV has launched multiple satellites in a single mission, with a record of 104 satellites on February 15, 2017.
- It has been instrumental in missions like Chandrayaan-1, India's first lunar probe, and Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also known as Mangalyaan.
Significance
- PSLV has been pivotal in advancing India's space program by providing cost-effective and reliable access to space.
- Its success has significantly contributed to ISRO's reputation in the global space community.
- The vehicle's versatility has allowed it to cater to different types of orbits and payload requirements, making it a versatile workhorse for ISRO.
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