Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) – UPSC Prelims

  • PSLV is third generation launch vehicle indigenously designed and developed by ISRO.
  • It is one of world’s most reliable and versatile workhorse (launch vehicles) with over 50 consecutively successful missions.
  • It is a four stage launch vehicle and first Indian rocket to be equipped with liquid stages.
  • It can take up to 1,750 kg of payload to Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits (SSPO) of 600 km altitude and payload of 1,425 kg to Geosynchronous and Geostationary orbits.
  • Four Stages:
    • The uppermost stage or fourth stage of PSLV comprises of two Earth storable liquid engines.
    • The third stage is solid rocket motor that provides upper stages high thrust after the atmospheric phase of the launch.
    • Second stage of PSLV uses an Earth storable liquid rocket engine, known as Vikas engine, developed by Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.
    • The first stage uses the S139 solid rocket motor that is augmented by 6 solid strap-on booster.

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