LVM3(GSLV Mk-III)
LVM3(GSLV Mk-III) Project was approved in 2002, with a mandate of achieving the capability to launch 4 ton class satellite to Geo-Synchronous orbit, by realizing indigenously developed launch vehicle. Development programme has been completed through three successful flights LVM3 X,GSLV MkIII D1 and GSLV MkIII D2.
| Vehicle Specifications | |
| Height | 43.5 m |
| Vehicle Diameter | 4.0 m |
| Heat Shield (Payload Fairing) Diameter | 5.0 m |
| PLF Usable Volume | 110m3 |
| Number of Stages | 3 |
| Lift Off Mass | 640 tonnes |
LVM3(GSLV Mk-III) is configured as a three stage vehicle with two solid strap-on motors (S200), one liquid core stage (L110) and a high thrust cryogenic upper stage (C25). The S200 solid motor is among the largest solid boosters in the world with 204 tonnes of solid propellant. The liquid L110 stage uses a twin liquid engine configuration with 115 tonnes of liquid propellant, while the C25 Cryogenic upper stage is configured with the fully indigenous high thrust cryogenic engine (CE20) with a propellant loading of 28 tons. The overall length of the vehicle is 43.5 m with a gross lift-off weight of 640 tonnes and a 5m-diameter payload fairing.
Characteristics of LVM3(GSLV Mk-III) :- Performance capability of 4.3 ton to GTO
- Payload capability to support 10 ton to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) missions
- Cost effective
- Improved reliability, operability and redundancy management
- Future growth potential of payload with minimal design changes
- To support man rated missions of Indian Space Programme
LVM3(GSLV Mk-III) continuation programme (Phase1) was approved in June, 2018 to realise 10 Nos of GSLV Mk-III vehicles to meet the programmatic requirements to launch communication satellites up to the year 2023. The maiden operational flight of GSLV MkIII has successfully launched Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft into the Super Geo-Synchronous Transfer Orbit on July 22 2019 at 14:43:12 hrs (IST).
GROWTH POTENTIAL OF 6 TONS TO GTO IN FUTURE
The payload capability of LVM3(GSLV Mk-III) will be increased upto 6 tons to GTO by induction of a High Propulsive Stage (Semi-Cryogenic stage SC120) in lieu of the present L110 and also by increased propellant loading of Cryogenic stage.
Human rated LVM3(GSLV Mk-III)
Human rated LVM3(GSLV Mk-III) is identified as the launch vehicle for Gaganyaan mission. Gaganyaan programme aims at carrying three Crew to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and bring them back safely to a predetermined location on Earth. Current GSLV MKIII vehicle is identified to be human rated and proposed to use in Gaganyaan mission.