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Launch services (SSLV, PSLV, GSLV and GSLV MK-III)

Successfully Launched 319 international customer satellites from 33 countries

ISRO has been providing Launch services for customer satellites since 1999 onboard ISRO’s Polar Satellite Vehicle (PSLV). Till June 2019, 319 customer satellites from 33 countries have been launched onboard PSLV on commercial basis through its commercial arm . In September 2016, PSLV C-37 has successfully injected 104 satellites into orbit – the highest number of satellites launched in a single mission so far. PSLV is a versatile vehicle, capable of launching satellites into LEO, SSO, Sub-GTO, GTO Orbits.

With ISRO operationalising its Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and GSLV Mk-III and building Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), as a launch on demand Vehicle, NSIL is in a position to offer and expand its launch services. The launches will be accomplished from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), India’s Spaceport, located at Sriharikota, near Chennai.

Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) employing cryogenic stage is intended to carry heavier satellites of the order of 2200 kg into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits (GTO). The heavy lift launcher GSLV MkIII (alias LVM3) is intended to enhance the GTO capability to 4000 kg and is currently under development. The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is intended to carry 500 kg satellite to 500km LEO Orbit.

With the suite of launch vehicles developed and operationalised by ISRO, NSIL offers comprehensive launch solutions – for both Ride Sharing and Dedicated Missions – with a wide variety of flight proven payload separation systems and adaptors developed in-house for all category of satellites. For more details on payload separation system Click here.

PSLV C43

PSLV Pre-launch activities

104 satellites in single mission

Three launch solutions

GSLV

With an indigenously developed Cryo Stage in addition to 2 other stages and 4 liquid strap-ons, GSLV is primarily used for missions to GTO.

Upcoming Launch solutions

PSLV

About the Launch Vehicle

Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is the third generation launch vehicle of India. It is the first Indian launch vehicle to be equipped with liquid stages. After its first successful launch in October 1994, PSLV emerged as the reliable and versatile workhorse launch vehicle of India with 42 successful missions by Dec 2018. During 1994-2018 period, the vehicle launched 53 Indian satellites and 269 satellites for international customers.

Besides, the vehicle successfully launched two space crafts – Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and Mars Orbiter Spacecraft in 2013 – that later travelled to Moon and Mars respectively

Vehicle Specifications

Height : 44 m
Diameter : 2.9 m
Number of Stages : 4
Lift Off Mass : 320t (XL)
Variants : 2 (PSLV - CA, PSLV - XL)
First Flight : September 20, 1993

GSLV

About the Launch Vehicle

Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II) is a launch vehicle developed by India and is currently in operation for launching 2t class communication satellites. This fourth generation launch vehicle is a three stage vehicle with four liquid strap-ons. The indigenously developed cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS), which is flight proven, forms the third stage of GSLV Mk II. From January 2014, the vehicle has achieved four consecutive successes.

Vehicle Specifications

Height : 49.13 m
Diameter : 3.4m
Number of Stages : 3
Lift Off Mass : 414.75t
First Flight : April 18, 2001

GSLV-MkIII

About the Launch Vehicle

GSLV Mk III is a three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle developed by ISRO. The vehicle has two solid strap-ons, a core liquid booster and a cryogenic upper stage.

GSLV Mk III is designed to carry 4t class of satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) or about 10t to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which is about twice the capability of GSLV Mk II.

The two strap-on motors of GSLV Mk III are located on either side of its core liquid booster. Designated as ‘S200’, each carries 205 tons of composite solid propellant and their ignition results in vehicle lift-off . S200s function for 140 seconds. During strap-ons functioning phase, the two clustered Vikas liquid Engines of L110 liquid core booster will ignite 114 sec after lift -off to further augment the thrust of the vehicle. These two engines continue to function after the separation of the strap-ons at about 140 seconds after lift -off.

The first experimental flight of LVM3, the LVM3-X/CARE mission lifted off from Sriharikota on December 18, 2014 and successfully tested the atmospheric phase of flight. Crew module Atmospheric Reentry Experiment was also carried out in this flight. The module re-entered, deployed its parachutes as planned and splashed down in the Bay of Bengal.

The first developmental flight of GSLV Mk III, the GSLV-Mk III-D1 successfully placed GSAT-19 satellite to a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) on June 05, 2017 from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota.

Vehicle Specifications

Height : 43.43 m
Diameter : 4 m
Number of Stages : 3
Lift Off Mass : 640t

SSLV

Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) Manufacturing

To cater to emerging global small satellite launch service market, ISRO has taken up the development of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). Manufacturing of SSLV through Indian Industry partners will be the responsibility of NSIL.

About Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)

SSLV has been designed to meet “Launch on Demand” requirements in a cost-effective manner. It is 3 stage all solid vehicle with a capability to launch upto 500 kg satellite mass into 500 km LEO.

The vehicle would help in

  • Reduced Turn-around Time
  • Launch on Demand
  • Cost Optimization for Realization and Operation
  • Flexibility in accommodating Multiple Satellites
  • Minimum launch infrastructure requirements
  • Heritage of proven design practises

After the initial developmental flights, ISRO, through its commercial arm, NSIL, is planning to manufacture SSLV through Indian Industries.

Please click here for SSLV Brochure

Vehicle Specifications

Height : 34m
Diameter : 2m
Number of Stages : 3
Lift Off Mass : ~120T

Space port

Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikotta, commonly known as SHAR, situated on the Eastern coast of the country 80km off Chennai, is the Space port of India. SHAR is located just above the equator on the Northern latitude bounded by the vast Indian coast line, making it one of the most ideal launch sites in the world today. The centre has 2 launch complexes – First Launch Pad (FLP) and the Second Launch Pad (SLP)- both possessing state of the art assembly and clean room facilities. SHAR has had a humble beginning in 1971 with the launch of an RH-125 sounding rocket and the centre has come a long way ever since. It currently has Solid Motor Production and Testing facilities that are among the biggest in the world, Propellant Filling and Servicing facilities and state-of-the-art Range Operations for providing reliable Launch Services to the customers. The island has housing facilities for the employees and also has a fully functional Guest house for the customers who visit the island for launch operations.

Launch Complex

SHAR has 2 launch complexes, each capable of providing complete support for vehicle assembly, check out and launch operations for any kind of missions – LEO, GEO, Sub-GTO or GTO. The centre also has facilities that can support launch of sounding rockets.

Launch Facilities

SDSC, SHAR provides world class launch infrastructure and has an array of facilities aimed at providing simultaneous preparation and launch of multiple launch vehicles, over the year. The launch complex has end to end support facilities for vehicle assembly.

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Discover SHAR

A Spindle shaped barrier island, Sriharikotta is situated off the coast of Bay of Bengal, in the state of Andhrapradesh on the South eastern side of India. The island separates Pulicat lake, which is the second largest lagoon in India, from the Bay of Bengal

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First Launch Pad

FLP was built in the early 1990’s following the concept of Integrate on the Pad, wherein, after assembling the rocket, a 3200ton Mobile Service Tower (MST), moves backward to it’s parking place.The facility is well equipped to handle the storage, transport and servicing of both earth storable and cryo propellants.FLP was built in the early 1990’s following the concept of Integrate on the Pad, wherein, after assembling the rocket, a 3200ton Mobile Service Tower (MST), moves backward to it’s parking place.The facility is well equipped to handle the storage, transport and servicing of both earth storable and cryo propellants.

Launch site : Satish Dhawan Space Centre
Launch pad : First Launch Pad (FLP)
Location : 13.7330 N, 80.2350 E
Operator : ISRO
Status : Active
Launches : 37

First Launch 20th September 1993, PSLV/IRS-P1

Second Launch Pad

SLP, which became operational in 2005 was conceived and implemented as a facility upgradation to support for the increasing launch demands that ISRO was facing. Built by Mecon Limited, a Govt of India enterprise located at Ranchi, Jharkhand, the SLP follows the Integrate, Transfer and Launch (ITL) concept, wherein, the vehicle after getting assembled on a Mobile Launch Pedestal in the Vehicle Assembly Building(VAB) is moved to the launch pad in a vertical position, on a rail track.The facility can well support Cryogenic and earth storable propellant storage, servicing and transport

Launch site : Satish Dhawan Space Centre
Launch pad : Second Launch Pad (SLP)
Location : 13.71990 N, 80.23040 E
Operator : ISRO
Status : Active
Launches : 24

First Launch 5th May 2005, PSLV/Cartosat-1