New Space India Limited (NSIL)’s first dedicated commercial satellite mission
Recently 36 satellites of One Web have been successfully placed in orbit by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)’s heaviest rocket (LVM3-M2).
- The LVM3-M2 mission was the first dedicated commercial satellite mission of New Space India Limited (NSIL).
- NSIL is a public sector enterprise under the Department of Space. It is enabling Indian industries to engage in high technology based activities related to space.
- In addition, it is also meeting the demand of the emerging global commercial small satellite launch services market. With the launch of these 36 satellites, ISRO’s growing capability to carry out large missions has also been demonstrated.
- In addition, ISRO can make its place in the global market by launching many satellites of world companies through LVM3 rocket. Currently, ISRO accounts for only 2% of the global commercial space sector market.
LVM3-M2 launch vehicle-
- It was earlier called Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle Mark-3 or GSLV-MK3. It is a 3-stage launch vehicle.
- These include the cryogenic upper stage, solid rocket booster and core liquid stage.
- Its carrying capacity is up to 8 tonnes for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 4 tonnes for Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
- This is ISRO’s second rocket for the global commercial market after the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
- It has successfully completed four missions including Chandrayaan-2. This vehicle will also be used for the launch of Gaganyaan (human space flight), Chandrayaan-3, and Aditya L1 (Mission to study the Sun).
Launch vehicles
Ariane-5: Europe’s heaviest launch vehicle
- Lift Off Weight: 780 Ton
- Payload Capacity: LEO: 20 Ton , GTO: 10 Ton
Long March: China’s heaviest launch vehicle
- Lift Off Weight: 850 Tons
- Payload Capacity: LEO: – GTO: 14 Tons
Falcon Heavy: Space-X, ‘Most Powerful’ Launch Vehicle for Commercial Uses
- Lift Off Weight: 1420 Ton
- Payload Capacity: LEO: 64 Ton, GTO: 27 Ton
Space Launch Vehicle: NASA’s new launch vehicle, aimed at deep space exploration
- Lift off weight: 3,000
- Payload Capacity: LEO: – GTO: 27 Tons (for launch to and beyond the Moon)
OneWeb –
- OneWeb is a joint venture between Bharti Enterprises of India and the Government of the United Kingdom. It aims to provide high-speed and low-latency connectivity across the globe.
- OneWeb satellites operate in LEO at an altitude of 1,200 km.
Source – The Hindu
