ISRO to Launch LVM3 with Semi-Cryogenic Stage: Latest News & UPSC Notes

The ISRO launch of the LVM3 rocket is an essential heavy lift launch vehicle that can further develop India's abilities to launch greater satellites and complex space missions. In early 2027, ISRO hopes to send up the LVM3 equipped with a new semi-cryogenic propellant stage as a significant technological gain and a payload capability that boosts the vehicle.

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The ISRO LVM3 rocket is relevant in UPSC with the topic of Science and Technology (GS paper 3). It is included in the subject of Space Technology, which expounds on the developments made by India in its launch vehicles, the launch of its satellites and the development of indigenous technologies by ISRO. The highlighted points under this category are the heavy-lift capability of LVM3, upgrading of LVM3 with a semi-cryogenic engine and the fact that LVM3 has been used in strategic space missions, which fit with what the UPSC syllabus requires in the area of technological achievements and space applications in national development. Join the UPSC coaching today and boost your preparation.

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Why In the News?

What is ISRO's LVM3 Rocket?

The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), formerly GSLV Mk III, is its most potent, heavy-lift, three-stage rocket. It is mainly meant to place communication satellites in geostationary orbit and aid India's crewed space mission as part of the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme. It comprises solid strap-ons, a liquid core, and a cryogenic upper stage. It has already made important missions such as Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and commercial satellite releases.

What are Cryogenic and Semi-Cryogenic Engines?

• Cryogenic Engine: Uses liquefied oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2) at extremely low temperatures (-183°C for oxygen, -253°C for hydrogen) as propellants. It provides high efficiency and thrust and is primarily used in the upper stages of launch vehicles like GSLV for better propulsion performance. 
• Semi-Cryogenic Engine: This liquid oxygen (LOX) and refined hydrocarbon fuels like kerosene. It is intended for booster stages to provide higher density impulse and enhanced thrust. The semi-cryogenic stage uses non-toxic, non-hazardous propellants and offers higher performance than the current liquid stage, increasing payload capacity for LVM3.

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Cryogenic vs Semi-Cryogenic Engines: Key Differences

What is the LVM3 Launch Vehicle?

LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3) is the ISRO three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle, 43.5 meters high with a lift-off mass of 640 tonnes. It comprises two solid step-on boosters (S 200), a liquid core stage (L 110) and a high thrust cryogenic upper stage (C 25). It can put up to 4,000 kg of payload into the geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO). It is central to Indian space programs, comprising manned flights and the launching of satellites to enable communication.

LVM3 is ISRO's three-stage heavy-lift vehicle consisting of:

• Two solid strap-on motors (S200)
• One liquid core stage (L110) (soon to be replaced by semi-cryogenic stage SC120)
• One high-thrust cryogenic upper stage (C25)

The semi-cryogenic upgrade can launch payloads of up to 4 tonnes (currently) to GTO, with plans to increase to 5 tonnes.

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Key Missions Launched by ISRO's LVM3 Rocket

Conclusion

The ISRO launch of the LVM3 rocket is a strategic jump forward in the Indian space program. It would contain heavier payloads and more complicated missions. Future propulsion configurations will also support the next generation of space pursuits, including human space travel and even more ambitious projects that tackle space travel beyond the Earth to other planets. The next step with the semi-cryogenic propulsion stage will continue adding more payload capability and efficiency.

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