GSLV

About GSLV

What is Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)?

Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) is an expendable space launch vehicle designed, developed, and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) to launch satellites and other space objects into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits. GSLV is 49.13 m tall and tallest among all other vehicles of Isro. It is a three-stage vehicle with a lift-off mass of 420 tonnes.

Stages in GSLV

The first stage comprises S139 solid booster with 138-tonne propellant and four liquid strap-on motors, with 40-tonne propellant. The second stage is a liquid engine carrying 40-tonne of liquid propellant. The third stage is the indigenously built Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) carrying 15-tonne of cryogenic propellants.

GSLV rockets using the Russian Cryogenic Stage (CS) are designated as the GSLV Mk I while versions using the indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) are designated the GSLV Mk II. All GSLV launches have been conducted from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

Difference between PSLV and GSLV

GSLV has the capability to put a heavier payload in the orbit than the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). PSLV can carry satellites up to a total weight of 2000 kg into space and reach up to an altitude of 600-900 km. GSLV can carry weight up to 5,000 kg and reach up to 36,000 km.

PSLV is designed mainly to deliver earth observation or remote sensing satellites, whereas, GSLV has been designed for launching communication satellites. GSLV delivers satellites into a higher elliptical orbit, Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO).

GSLV Launches

Isro first launched GSLV on April 18, 2001 and has made 13 launches since then. The GSLV has had 8 launches successfully reaching its planned orbits, three outright failures and two partial failure, yielding a success rate for GSLV Mk I at 29% and 86% for Mk II. All launches have taken place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, known before 2002 as the Sriharikota Range (SHAR).

Latest Updates on GSLV

Premium

Isro launches 36 OneWeb satellites in first commercial launch for LMV-3

"Happy Diwali! We started celebrations already at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre," said Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, chairman, Isro

Updated On: 23 Oct 2022 | 11:08 PM IST

Premium

ISRO all set to launch SSLV on August 7; here's all you need to know

The SSLV is third launch vehicle of the research organisation after Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).

Updated On: 02 Aug 2022 | 8:14 PM IST

GSLV failure to have an impact on India's human space mission

The failure of Indian rocket Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-F10s (GSLV-F10) cryogenic engine midway during a mission on Thursday will have its impact on India's ambitious moon mission

Updated On: 12 Aug 2021 | 8:49 AM IST

Premium

Rocket places India's 42nd communications satellite CMS-01 into orbit

Feat achieved 20 minutes after lift-off; satellite will provide services in extended C-band spectrum

Updated On: 18 Dec 2020 | 1:53 AM IST

Premium

GISAT-1 onboard GSLV-F10 called off, new launch dates in due course: Isro

The rocket GSLV-F10 carrying India's first agile Earth observation satellite was scheduled to launch on March 5

Updated On: 04 Mar 2020 | 9:09 PM IST

Premium

Pvt sector to get 70% of upcoming space projects worth up to $1.6 bn: Isro

In the last 25 years, the space agency has launched more than 50 PSLV rockets, and wants to launch another 50 in the next five years

Updated On: 31 Jan 2020 | 2:59 PM IST

Cabinet nod to GSLV Phase-4 continuation programme consisting 5 rockets

The continuation programme will meet the demand for the launch of satellites at a frequency up to two launches per year

Updated On: 16 Apr 2019 | 2:45 AM IST

Premium

GSLV-F11 successfully launches GSAT-7A military satellite, Isro's 35th

The Satellite will enable interlinking of ground radar stations, airbases and AWACS aircraft, and boost IAF's network-centric warfare capabilities

Updated On: 19 Dec 2018 | 4:59 PM IST

ISRO to launch weather satellite INSAT-3DR in August

The frequency of launch will be increased to 12-18 launches a year

Updated On: 22 Jul 2016 | 7:50 PM IST