Launch Vehicle of Chandra Yan 2?
VerifiedAnswer: GSLV MkIII-M1
Explanation:
The GSLV MkIII-M1 (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III) was the powerful rocket that carried India's ambitious Chandrayaan-2 mission to the Moon on July 22, 2019. This launch vehicle represents one of ISRO's most advanced and capable rockets, specifically designed to handle heavy payloads for interplanetary missions.
The GSLV MkIII-M1 stands as India's heaviest launch vehicle, capable of carrying payloads up to 4 tons to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). For the Chandrayaan-2 mission, it successfully launched a total payload mass of approximately 3,850 kg, which included the orbiter, lander (Vikram), and rover (Pragyan) components.
This three-stage rocket has some impressive specifications that made it perfect for the lunar mission. The first stage uses two solid rocket boosters (S200), the second stage employs liquid fuel (L110), and the third stage utilizes cryogenic technology (C25). The rocket stands tall at 43.43 meters and weighs around 640 tons when fully loaded with fuel.
What makes the GSLV MkIII-M1 special for Chandrayaan-2 is that it was the rocket's first operational flight carrying such a significant scientific payload. The 'M1' designation indicates it was the first mission-mode flight of this vehicle variant, making the successful launch even more remarkable for India's space program.
The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, at 2:43 PM IST. The rocket performed flawlessly, placing Chandrayaan-2 into the intended Earth parking orbit with remarkable precision, setting the stage for India's most complex lunar mission to date.
