ISRO advancing capabilities with plans for 3rd launch pad and developing NGLV: ISRO Chief
By R Anil Kumar
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India’s Space Agency advancing its capabilities with plans for 3rd launch pad at Sriharikota
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PM Narendra Modi chaired Union Cabinet approves the development of Next Generation Launch Vehicle, an initiative to enhance India’s Space exploration and Commercial launch capabilities
Bangalore, October 9. India’s Space Agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is advancing its capabilities with plans for a third launch pad at Sriharikota and development of Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), internally known as “Soorya” project, which has received the cabinet nod, recently, Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This initiative aims to enhance India’s Space exploration and commercial launch capabilities.
The third launch pad is necessitated due to the distinct configuration of NGLV, which differs from existing rockets like PSLV and GSLV, said ISRO Chairman S Somanath and it is essential for accomodating the new rocket requirements, he added.
A dedicated team is formed to oversee the NGLV Project, which includes experts from various ISRO programmes, and the Project will focus on integrating advanced technologies and ensuring effecient production processes, Somanath informed.
NEXT GENERATION LAUNCH VEHICLE (NGLV-SOORYA):
The development of Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), will be a significant step towards the Government’s vision of establishing & operating the Bharatiya Anteriksh Station and towards developing the capabilities for Indian Crewed landing on the moon by 2040.
The NGLV will have 3 times the present payload capability with 1.5 times the cost compared to LVM-3 and will be re-usable resulting in low cost access to Space and modular Green Propulsion Systems.
The aim of the Indian Space orogramme during the Amritkaal require a new generation of human rated launch Vehicles with high payload capability & resuability. Hence, the development of NGLV is taken up which is designed to carry a maximum payload of 30 tons to Low Earth Orbit, which also has a re-usable first stage.
Currently, India has achieved Self-reliance in Space-transportation System to launch satellites up to 10 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 4 tonne to Geo-synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), through the presently operational PSLV, GSLV, LVM-3 & SSLV launch Vehicles.
The NGLV development Project will be implemented with maximum participation from the Indian Industry, which is also expected to invest in the manufacturing capacity , thereby allowing seamless transition to the operational phase subsequent to the development.
NGLV will be deminstrated with 3 development flights, D1, D2 and D3, with a target of 8 years (96 months) for the completion of development phase.
The total fund approved is Rs. 8240 crores and includes the development costs, 3 developmenal flights, essential facility establishment, programme management and launch campaign.
A key feature of NGLV is its re-usability, which aims to reduce launch costs. Initial estimates suggest a target cost of approximately $ 1,900 per Kg, for re-usable configurations compared to $3,000/kg for expendable models.
The NGLV will incorporate Vertical take-off and landing capabilities, allowing for recovery both on land and at sea. This dual recovery approach could further enhance cost efficiency and operational flexibility.
A LEAP TOWARDS BHARATIYA ANTARIKSH STATION:
The development of NGLV will enable National and Commercial missions including launch of human Space flight missions to Bharatiya Antariksh Station, Lunar/interplanetary exploration missions along with communication and earth observation satellite constellations to LEO , that will benefit the entire Space ecosystem in the Country.
The first launch of NGLV is tentatively scheduled for 2034-35, with initial flights planned as early as 2031.This timeline aligns with ISRO’s broader vision to establish an Indian Space Station by 2035, leveraging NGLV’s capabilities for future missions including human Space flight and deep space explorations.
ISRO plans to collaborate closely with Private sectors for manufacturing and operational Support, fostering a more robust domestic aerospace industry.
This strategic expansion not only positions India as a competitive player in the global Space market, but also helps its long-term ambitions in Space exploration and technology advancement.
