GSLV MK-3

The LVM3, formerly known as the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III), is a three-stage medium-lift launch vehicle developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is the most powerful launch vehicle in the GSLV family and is primarily designed to launch heavier payloads into geosynchronous transfer orbits. It is primarily designed to launch communication satellites into geostationary orbit, but it is also capable of launching crewed missions under the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme.

Development of GSLV took decades. The project began in the 1990s with the goal of providing India with an independent capability to launch heavy satellites into Geostationary Transfer Orbits (GTO). It is built off of the existing Polar Satellite Launch VEhicle (PSLV) which had two stages, one solid fuel stage and one liquid fuelled engine. GSLV would have another stage- the cryogenic engine which would allow the satellite to be placed in GTO.

However, to do this, India required cryogenic engine technology. They first tried to buy this from Russia but due to international sanctions, this failed. It was left for India's ISRO to develop its own indigenous cryogenic engine (CE-7.5). This made India self reliant. However the first few launches failed and the first successful launch only happened in 2008 with GSLV Mk II.

• Payload Capacity: GSLV Mk III is capable of carrying payloads of up to 4,000 kg to geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) and 10,000 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO). This makes it suitable for launching communication satellites, Earth observation satellites, and other heavier payloads.
• Height: 43.43 meters (142.5 feet)
• Stages:
  • First stage: Two solid fuelled propellant S200 strap-on boosters
  • Second stage: L110 liquid propellant stage
  • Third stage: C25 cryogenic propellant stage
• First flight: December 18, 2014 (suborbital); June 5, 2017 (orbital)

The LVM3 is also playing a key role in the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme. ISRO is currently developing the Gaganyaan spacecraft, which will carry three astronauts to low Earth orbit. The LVM3 will be used to launch the Gaganyaan on its first uncrewed test flight in 2023 and its first crewed flight in 2024. It has also been used to launch the heavier communication-satellites.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed several types of launch vehicles to cater to different mission requirements.

• Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle: Workhorse of ISRO, PSLV is the most frequently used launch vehicle by ISRO, known for its high reliability and versatility. It has been used to launch Earth observatory satellites giving key information about resources on Earth. It can launch satellites into various orbits, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO), and Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
• Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV):SSLV is a smaller and more cost-effective launch vehicle designed for launching small satellites into various orbits.

The LVM3 is a significant advancement for the Indian space program. It has a higher payload capacity than its predecessor, the GSLV Mk II, and is more cost-effective to operate. The LVM3's first successful orbital flight in 2017 was a major milestone for ISRO, and it has since been used to launch a number of important satellites, including the GSAT-11 communication satellite and the Chandrayaan-2 lunar mission.

The successful development and flight of the LVM3 demonstrates the growing capabilities of the Indian space program. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the scientists and engineers at ISRO, and it positions India as a major player in the global space industry.