Overview

The is India’s workhorse launch vehicle, developed by the for deploying satellites into polar and sun-synchronous orbits, and later adapted for GTO, LEO, and interplanetary missions. It is globally known for its high reliability, precision, and cost-effectiveness.

Development and Evolution

• Conceived in the 1980s to achieve self-reliance in launching remote sensing satellites.
• First successful launch: PSLV-D2 in 1994.
• Over time, PSLV evolved into multiple configurations to suit different payload requirements.

Key Technical Features

• Four-stage launch vehicle with alternate solid and liquid propulsion:
  • Stage 1: Solid propellant (with strap-on boosters)
  • Stage 2: Liquid propulsion
  • Stage 3: Solid propulsion
  • Stage 4: Liquid propulsion (enables precise orbital insertion)
• High orbital accuracy, making it ideal for Earth observation and scientific missions.
• Can carry multiple satellites in a single mission using multiple payload adapters.

PSLV Variants

• PSLV-CA: Core Alone (no strap-ons)
• PSLV-DL: Dual strap-ons
• PSLV-QL: Four strap-ons
• PSLV-XL: Six extended strap-ons (highest lifting capacity variant)

Payload Capability

• ~1,750 kg to Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO)
• ~1,400 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
• Limited capability to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)

Major Missions

• Chandrayaan-1 (2008) – India’s first lunar mission
• Mars Orbiter Mission – Mangalyaan (2013) – First Asian mission to Mars orbit
• AstroSat (2015) – India’s first space observatory
• Cartosat, Resourcesat, RISAT series
• Launched foreign satellites from over 30 countries, including the US, UK, Israel, Germany, and Singapore.

Commercial Significance

• Backbone of India’s commercial launch services through .
• Earned global trust for rideshare missions and small satellite launches.
• Played a crucial role in positioning India as a cost-competitive space launch provider.

Strategic and Scientific Importance

• Strengthened India’s earth observation, disaster management, navigation, and defence surveillance capabilities.
• Enabled independent access to space, reducing reliance on foreign launchers.
• Supported interplanetary and space science missions with high precision.

Limitations

• Lower payload capacity compared to GSLV Mk II and LVM3.
• Not suitable for heavy communication satellites in full GTO.

Role in India’s Space Ecosystem

• Acts as a bridge vehicle between early launch systems and heavy-lift rockets.
• Continues to be crucial for:
  • Small satellite launches
  • Student and startup payloads
  • Technology demonstration missions

Conclusion

PSLV represents India’s technological maturity in launch vehicle design, combining reliability, adaptability, and affordability. Even with the advent of newer heavy-lift and small satellite launchers, PSLV remains a cornerstone of India’s space programme and global launch market.