PSLV Launches

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is one of India’s most reliable and versatile space launch vehicles, developed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Designed to place satellites into polar, sun-synchronous, and geostationary transfer orbits, the PSLV has been instrumental in making India a leading spacefaring nation.
Since its first successful launch in October 1994, the PSLV has conducted numerous missions, deploying Indian as well as foreign satellites, including interplanetary and navigation payloads. It has earned the reputation of being “India’s workhorse launcher.”

Background and Development

The PSLV programme was initiated in the 1980s to meet India’s growing demand for a reliable and cost-effective vehicle capable of launching satellites into higher orbits for remote sensing, navigation, and scientific research.

• Developed under the leadership of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and other ISRO pioneers.
• The first developmental flight took place on 20 September 1993 (PSLV-D1) but failed due to a technical malfunction.
• The first successful flight, PSLV-D2, was launched on 15 October 1994, placing the IRS-P2 satellite in orbit — marking the operational beginning of the PSLV series.

The vehicle combines solid and liquid propulsion stages, giving it flexibility and reliability for various payload configurations.

Technical Configuration

The PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle using a combination of solid and liquid propulsion systems:

Height: ~44 metresLift-off mass: ~320 tonnesPayload Capacity:

• Sun-synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO): up to 1,750 kg
• Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO): up to 1,420 kg

Variants of PSLV

Over the years, ISRO has introduced different configurations of PSLV to accommodate varying mission requirements:

1. PSLV-G (Standard):
   • Original version with six strap-on boosters.
   • Used for early operational flights.
2. PSLV-CA (Core Alone):
   • No strap-on boosters; designed for lighter payloads.
3. PSLV-XL:
   • Equipped with six extended strap-on boosters.
   • Used for heavy payloads and interplanetary missions (e.g., Chandrayaan-1, Mangalyaan).
4. PSLV-DL and PSLV-QL:
   • Newer variants with two or four strap-on boosters, respectively.
   • Offer flexibility between PSLV-CA and PSLV-XL configurations.

Notable PSLV Launches

The PSLV has been the backbone of India’s space achievements, successfully launching hundreds of satellites for domestic and international clients. Some key missions include:
1. PSLV-D2 (1994):

• First successful PSLV mission.
• Placed IRS-P2, India’s Earth observation satellite, into orbit.

2. PSLV-C1 (1997):

• Carried IRS-1D and marked ISRO’s entry into operational remote sensing services.

3. PSLV-C2 (1999):

• Carried Oceansat-1 and two foreign satellites — KITSAT (South Korea) and DLS-1 (Germany) — initiating India’s role in international satellite launches.

4. PSLV-C11 (Chandrayaan-1, 2008):

• India’s first lunar mission.
• Successfully placed the Chandrayaan-1 orbiter in lunar orbit.

5. PSLV-C25 (Mangalyaan, 2013):

• Launched Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) — India’s first interplanetary mission.
• Made India the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit and the first in the world to do so on its maiden attempt.

6. PSLV-C37 (2017):

• Created a world record by launching 104 satellites in a single mission.
• Major payload: Cartosat-2D, along with 103 co-passenger satellites from foreign countries.

7. PSLV-C40 (2018):

• Carried Cartosat-2F and 30 co-passenger satellites after a previous failure (PSLV-C39).
• Demonstrated the vehicle’s reliability.

8. PSLV-C42 (2018):

• Dedicated commercial launch for UK-based satellites (NovaSAR and S1-4).

9. PSLV-C44 (2019):

• Introduced the PS4 orbital platform, enabling the upper stage to be used as a micro-satellite platform.

10. PSLV-C55 (2023):

• Launched Singaporean satellites and used the PS4 stage for experiments under ISRO’s POEM (PSLV Orbital Experimental Module) initiative.

11. PSLV-C56 (2023):

• Launched DS-SAR, a radar imaging satellite for Singapore, showcasing PSLV’s international commercial role.

PSLV and International Cooperation

PSLV has earned global recognition for its reliability and cost-effectiveness.

• ISRO’s commercial arm, Antrix Corporation (now NewSpace India Limited – NSIL), markets PSLV launches internationally.
• Over 380 foreign satellites from more than 35 countries have been launched using PSLV.
• Clients include the USA, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, and several emerging space nations.

This has positioned India as a key player in the global satellite launch market, offering competitive and dependable launch services.

PSLV in Interplanetary and Space Science Missions

The PSLV’s versatility has made it the launcher of choice for India’s prestigious space exploration missions:

• Chandrayaan-1 (2008): First Indian mission to the Moon.
• Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission, 2013): India’s first mission to Mars.
• Astrosat (2015): India’s first multi-wavelength space observatory.
• RISAT, Cartosat, and Oceansat Series: Vital for Earth observation, mapping, and disaster management.

Reliability and Achievements

• Success Rate: Over 95% across more than 50 missions.
• Reputation: One of the world’s most reliable medium-lift launch vehicles.
• Cost Efficiency: Launches at a fraction of the cost of Western rockets, earning PSLV the nickname “The World’s Most Affordable Launcher.”
• Technological Innovation: Reusable upper-stage platforms, multi-satellite deployment systems, and precision orbit insertion.

Future Prospects

While PSLV continues to serve India’s space programme, it is gradually being complemented by newer launch vehicles like the GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) and SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle). However, PSLV will remain crucial for:

• Small and medium satellite launches.
• International commercial payloads.
• Scientific and Earth observation missions.
• Technology demonstration missions such as POEM and experimental payloads.

Significance

The PSLV has been a cornerstone of India’s space programme for nearly three decades, contributing to:

• Strengthening national security and surveillance through remote sensing satellites.
• Advancing scientific exploration beyond Earth.
• Enhancing India’s global stature in space technology and commerce.
• Supporting climate monitoring, resource management, and disaster forecasting.