The GSLV Mark-III or LVM3 rocket launched the Chandrayaan-2 mission to the moon in 2019, marking the rocket’s first operational flight.
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has renamed the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark-III as Launch Vehicle Mark-III, primarily to distinguish its mission of launching satellites into various orbits.
The LVM3 rocket will also be utilized for India’s first human space journey, which is likely slated for late 2024. It is also emerging as a favorite for ISRO commercial launches with the successful placement of 36 OneWeb satellites into orbit on Sunday.
“Previously, the launch vehicles were called for a particular function, such as PSLV for orbiting polar satellites or GSLV for geostationary satellites,” a senior ISRO official said.
“The rocket is no longer limited to geosynchronous orbit. “A rocket may fly anywhere since it does not have a set orbit – GEO (Geosynchronous Earth Orbit), MEO (Medium Earth Orbit), LEO (Low Earth Orbit),” the official said.
The decision to rename the rocket was made to clear up any doubt about the orbits designated for launch.
“A GSLV – for GEO orbit – will remain such, but the GSLV-Mark III has been designated LVM3.” “The LVM3 will fly everywhere — GEO, MEO, LEO, moon and sun missions,” the official stated.
The GSLV Mark-III or LVM3 rocket launched the Chandrayaan-2 mission to the moon in 2019, marking the rocket’s first operational flight.
LVM3 was used to launch 36 OneWeb satellites into orbit on Sunday and will be used again next year for a similar mission.
According to OneWeb, the newest launch by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NSIL is one of the largest commercial orders ever placed by India’s top space organization, and the first to use the LVM3 rocket.
Broadband-from-space services are being hailed as the next frontier in India’s rapidly expanding communications business.
The scene is set for some high-voltage action as major players like as Jio and OneWeb compete for a piece of India’s lucrative satellite-based internet services market. Nelco and Telesat have also successfully undertaken LEO demonstrations throughout the nation for the corporate, telecom, and government sectors.
pic by – ISRO