LVM3 - GSLV Mk3

The LVM3, previously known as GSLV Mark III is a three-stage medium to heavy lift launch vehicle developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It represents India's most powerful and advanced launch vehicle built entirely with domestic technology.

Since its first flight in 2014, the LVM3 has enabled India to pursue heavy-lift geosynchronous missions with complete strategic autonomy. Future variants of LVM3 now under development are aimed at reducing costs and improving performance through new technologies like electric propulsion and recoverable first stages.

About LVM3

The LVM3 is India's most powerful launcher built entirely with domestic technology. With two large strap-on boosters providing high thrust on lift-off and a cryogenic upper stage, it can launch 4-ton class satellitesto geostationary transfer orbit.

LVM3 Description

The technical specifications of LVM3 include:

LVM3 Missions

 Here are some key missions launched by ISRO's LVM3 rocket:

Performance of LVM3

• The LVM3 successfully launched several missions, including CARE (India's space capsule recovery experiment module), Chandrayaan-2, and Chandrayaan-3 (India's moon missions).
• It will be used for the Gaganyaan crewed missionunder the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme.

Significance of LVM3

The successful development of LVM3 carries profound strategic significance for India's civilian space program and related national interests across economic and technological domains.

• Enhanced Launch Capabilities: LVM3 provides heavy lift launch capacity of 4-ton class satellites into GTO, enabling complex future space missions of India beyond earth orbit.
• Strategic Autonomy: LVM3 boosts India's self-reliance in the space sector, reduces dependence on foreign launch providers, and serves the country's strategic needs in the space domain.
• Economic Benefits: It saves costs through launch self-reliance, enables space-based services for socio-economic growth, and facilitates commercial launches to generate revenue.
• Technology Demonstration: LVM3 demonstrates India's mastery of cryogenic engines and critical technologies like stage separation, showcasing the country's indigenous scientific and technical prowess.

PYQs on LVM3

Question 1: With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:

1. PSLVs launch satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four-stage launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors, and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2018)

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3
3. 1 and 2
4. 3 only

Answer: (a)

FAQs on LVM3

Q1. What is the full form of LVM3?

Ans. The full form of LVM3 is Launch Vehicle Mark-3, previously known as Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk-3, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation for launching communication satellites into geostationary orbit and undertaking complex missions beyond Earth's orbit.

Q2. What is the difference between LVM3 and GSLV?

Ans. LVM3 and GSLV are ISRO's satellite launch vehicles. LVM3 has greater payload capacity than GSLV Mk2, placing heavier satellites into geostationary orbits. LVM3 employs an indigenous cryogenic engine, while GSLV Mk2 relies on a Russian-sourced cryogenic stage. LVM3 is entirely indigenous.

Q3. Why is LVM3 called the Indian Bahubali of ISRO?

Ans. The LVM3, nicknamed 'Bahubali' during its flight with Chandrayaan-2, is a powerful rocket with a lift-off mass of 640 tonnes. Capable of carrying up to 4,000 kilograms into GTO, it's used for launching satellites, including communication ones, and will serve in India's first crewed mission, Gaganyaan.