What is the full form of GSLV


GSLV: Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle

GSLV stands for Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. It is the satellite-launch vehicle developed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is used to launch satellites and space objects into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits. It has launched eleven satellites till date (July 2017). The first satellite was launched in 2001 and the most recent satellite was launched on 5 May 2017.

GSLV full form

GSLV Description

GSLV is 49 meters tall. It is a three-stage launcher with a lift-off mass of 414.75 tonnes. It is provided with strap-on motors. The current configuration of GSLV can put a payload of around 2500 kg in the Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO). Furthermore, it can put a payload up to 5 tonnes in Low Earth Orbits (LEO).

  • First Stage (GS1): In this stage, S-138 solid rocket motor provided with four liquid engine strap-on motors is used to generate thrust. It can generate a maximum thrust of 4700 Kilo Newton.
  • Second Stage (GS2): This stage uses a liquid rocket engine called Vikas. A maximum thrust of 800 Kilo Newton is generated in this stage.
  • Third Stage (CUS): In this stage, a cryogenic engine is used. This engine uses liquefied hydrogen and oxygen as fuel. The CE=7.5 is the first cryogenic engine of India.

Brief History

  • The GSLV project was initiated in 1990 to become an independent nation in launching geosynchronous satellites.
  • On 18 April 2001, the first developmental flight of GSLV Mk I (GSLV-D1) was launched on 18 April 2001. It was not able to reach the correct orbit.
  • It became operational after it successfully placed GSAT-2 in its second developmental flight.
  • In September 2004, it launched EDUSAT ? the first satellite of India for educational services.
  • The second operational flight (GSLV FO2) was not able to place satellite (INSAT-4C) into the orbit.
  • The first successful flight of GSLV Mark. II was the launch of GSLV-F05 on 5 January 2014 using an indigenously developed cryogenic engine (CE-7.5.)
  • On 8 September 2016, GSLV-F05 was launched to launch the INSAT-3DR satellite from Sriharikota.
  • On 5 May 2017, GSLV-F09 successfully launched GSAT-9 from Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota.
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