Evolution of India’s Launch Vehicles

Indian launch vehicles are engineered to place satellites into specific orbits (polar, sun-synchronous, geosynchronous transfer, or low earth orbit) using multi-stage rockets. Over time, ISRO has expanded payload capability and mission flexibility through strap-on boosters, liquid stages, indigenous cryogenic stages, and newer small-satellite launch systems.

Launch Vehicles

  • A launch vehicle uses staged propulsion; spent stages are discarded to reduce mass and increase efficiency.
  • Different propellants serve different roles; solid propellants deliver high thrust for lift-off; earth-storable liquids enable controllable burns; cryogenic propellants enable high efficiency for upper stages and higher-energy orbits.
  • Orbit selection drives vehicle design; polar/sun-synchronous missions typically use near-vertical ascent ....

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