India's Heaviest Rocket LVM3-M6 Successfully Launches US Satellite
ISRO's LVM3-M6, India's heaviest rocket, successfully launched a 6,100-kg US communication satellite.
Photo by SpaceX
Quick Revision
ISRO launched its heaviest rocket, LVM3-M6
Launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
Placed 6,100-kg BlueBird Block-2 satellite into orbit
BlueBird Block-2 is a US communication satellite
Key Numbers
Visual Insights
LVM3-M6 Launch Site & Global Space Partners
This map highlights the launch location of India's LVM3-M6 rocket and the key countries involved in the mission, showcasing India's growing role in the global commercial space market.
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LVM3-M6: Key Metrics of India's Heavy-Lift Capability
This dashboard highlights the critical specifications and achievements related to the LVM3-M6 launch, emphasizing its significance for India's space program and commercial aspirations.
- LVM3 Payload Capacity (GTO)
- 4,000 kg
- LVM3 Payload Capacity (LEO)
- 10,000 kg
- BlueBird Block-2 Satellite Weight
- 6,100 kg
- NSIL Commercial Launches (2019-2025)
- 15+ missions (estimated)
Indicates ISRO's capability to launch heavy communication satellites into Geostationary Transfer Orbit, crucial for national and commercial needs.
Essential for launching large constellations of satellites into Low Earth Orbit, including future human spaceflight missions (Gaganyaan).
Demonstrates LVM3's capability to handle significant commercial payloads, exceeding its GTO capacity by placing it into a specific orbit, showcasing versatility.
Reflects the growing success and revenue generation of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) in the global commercial launch market.
Exam Angles
Technical specifications and capabilities of LVM3 (GSLV Mk III) and other Indian launch vehicles (PSLV, SSLV)
Role of ISRO, NSIL, and IN-SPACe in India's space program and commercialization efforts
Cryogenic engine technology and its strategic importance for India
India's position in the global space economy and space diplomacy
Recent reforms in India's space sector to encourage private participation
View Detailed Summary
Summary
India's space program achieved a significant milestone with ISRO's heaviest rocket, LVM3-M6 (nicknamed 'Bahubali'), successfully launching from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This powerful rocket placed the 6,100-kg BlueBird Block-2, a US communication satellite, into orbit.
This event underscores India's growing capabilities in the global space launch market and its role as a reliable partner for international space missions. It also highlights ISRO's advancements in heavy-lift launch vehicle technology.
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding India's LVM3 launch vehicle: 1. LVM3 is a three-stage launch vehicle, with the first stage comprising two solid strap-on boosters. 2. It is primarily designed to launch heavy communication satellites into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO). 3. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) is the commercial arm of ISRO responsible for providing end-to-end launch services globally. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct: LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), formerly GSLV Mk III, is a three-stage launch vehicle. The first stage consists of two S200 solid strap-on boosters. The second stage is a liquid core stage (L110), and the third stage is a cryogenic upper stage (C25). Statement 2 is correct: LVM3 is India's heaviest operational launch vehicle, primarily designed to launch heavy communication satellites into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) and also capable of launching payloads into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for missions like Gaganyaan. Statement 3 is correct: NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a Public Sector Undertaking under the Department of Space, is indeed the commercial arm of ISRO, mandated to transfer ISRO-developed technologies to Indian industries and market ISRO's launch services and space-based products globally.
2. With reference to India's space launch vehicles and propulsion technology, consider the following statements: 1. The LVM3 launch vehicle utilizes an indigenously developed cryogenic upper stage. 2. Cryogenic engines use liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen as propellants, offering higher specific impulse compared to solid or Earth-storable liquid propellants. 3. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is known for its capability to launch satellites into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) using its cryogenic upper stage. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct: LVM3 (GSLV Mk III) uses the C25 cryogenic upper stage, powered by the CE-20 cryogenic engine, which was indigenously developed by ISRO. Statement 2 is correct: Cryogenic engines use propellants (liquid oxygen as oxidizer and liquid hydrogen as fuel) at extremely low temperatures. This combination provides a very high specific impulse, meaning more thrust per unit of propellant, making them highly efficient for upper stages. Statement 3 is incorrect: PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) does not have a cryogenic upper stage. It primarily uses solid and Earth-storable liquid propellants. PSLV is primarily used for launching satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO), while GSLV/LVM3 is designed for Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) missions.
3. Which of the following is NOT a recent initiative or reform aimed at fostering private sector participation and commercialization in India's space sector?
- A.Establishment of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) as a Public Sector Undertaking under the Department of Space.
- B.Creation of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) as an autonomous nodal agency.
- C.Mandating ISRO to exclusively handle all satellite manufacturing and launch operations for domestic and international clients.
- D.Liberalization of the geospatial data policy to allow private entities to generate and utilize geospatial data.
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement C is incorrect. Recent reforms in India's space sector are specifically aimed at *reducing* ISRO's exclusive role and *promoting* private sector involvement across the entire spectrum of space activities, including satellite manufacturing, launch operations, and providing space-based services. The establishment of NSIL (Option A) is to commercialize ISRO's technologies and services, and IN-SPACe (Option B) acts as a single-window agency to facilitate private sector participation. The liberalization of the geospatial data policy (Option D) also encourages private entities. Therefore, mandating ISRO to exclusively handle all operations contradicts the spirit of these reforms.
Source Articles
ISRO rocket LVM-3 places 6000-kg US satellite – its heaviest – into orbit | Technology News - The Indian Express
Watch | ISRO shares onboard footage from 100th rocket launch: ‘A view like no other’ | India News - The Indian Express
ISRO 100th Launch: Significance Achievements and Future Plans, Why ISRO 100th Launch?
After Isro’s 100th launch, space agency chief V Narayanan salutes leaders of the past | Technology News - The Indian Express
Behind Chandrayaan 3’s launch: ISRO’s moon milestone | The Indian Express