SOURCE: AFI
he Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially commenced the initial design phase for its next-generation launch vehicle (NGLV), Soorya, marking a significant milestone in India’s space ambitions. Padmakumar E S, Director of ISRO Inertial Systems Unit, Thiruvananthapuram, announced the development during the National Science Day celebration in the city.
Padmakumar emphasized that ISRO’s focus has now shifted toward the development of NGLV, and funds have been sanctioned to support the program. According to him, a dedicated team was set up earlier, and the design process is now underway. He further stated that the entire project is expected to take around seven years to complete, involving three test flights before full operational deployment.
The NGLV Soorya will be a three-stage launch vehicle, incorporating cutting-edge technology and innovative design. It will feature a cluster of nine engines in the first stage and two engines in the second stage. A key highlight of the vehicle is the recoverability of the first stage, enhancing cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
In September 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the development of the NGLV program, marking a significant step toward India’s long-term space exploration goals. The approved funding for the project stands at ?8,240 crore, covering Development costs, Three developmental flights, Essential infrastructure and facility establishment, Program management and Launch campaign preparations
Two Variants of Soorya
ISRO is planning two versions of Soorya to cater to different mission requirements:
- Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Version: Designed for placing payloads in low earth orbit.
- Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) Version: Developed for launching payloads into geosynchronous transfer orbit.
Payload Capabilities
- Expendable Payload Capacity:
- 23.4 tonnes to LEO
- 9.6 tonnes to GTO
- Recoverable Payload Capacity:
- 14.8 tonnes to LEO
- 5.5 tonnes to GTO
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