Satellite launch in India?
VerifiedAnswer: SLV-3 or PSLV
Explanation:
India's journey in satellite launch technology began with the SLV-3 (Satellite Launch Vehicle-3), which marked the country's entry into the exclusive club of spacefaring nations. The SLV-3 was India's first experimental satellite launch vehicle, developed entirely by Indian scientists and engineers under the guidance of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.
The SLV-3 achieved its historic milestone on July 18, 1980, when it successfully launched Rohini RS-1, making India the seventh country in the world to achieve independent satellite launch capability. This four-stage solid propellant rocket was 22 meters tall and weighed about 17 tonnes, capable of placing small satellites weighing up to 40 kg into low Earth orbit.
Building on this success, India developed the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), which became the country's most reliable and versatile launch vehicle. The PSLV made its debut in 1993 and has since become the workhorse of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This rocket is particularly famous for launching satellites into polar and sun-synchronous orbits, making it ideal for Earth observation and remote sensing missions.
The PSLV gained international recognition when it successfully launched India's Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2013, making India the first country to reach Mars on its maiden attempt. The vehicle has also set world records, including launching 104 satellites in a single mission in February 2017, demonstrating India's growing capabilities in space technology.
Key differences between these launch vehicles include their payload capacity and mission types. While SLV-3 was designed for small experimental satellites, PSLV can carry payloads ranging from 1,750 kg to low Earth orbit to 1,425 kg to sun-synchronous orbit. The PSLV is also more sophisticated, featuring both solid and liquid propellant stages, making it more versatile for various mission requirements.
Today, while SLV-3 remains historically significant as India's first indigenous launch vehicle, PSLV continues to be actively used for launching both Indian and international satellites. The success of these launch vehicles has established India as a major player in the global commercial satellite launch market, offering cost-effective and reliable launch services to countries worldwide.
