Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)

Table of Contents

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is an expendable launch vehicle developed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). It is primarily used to launch satellites into polar orbits, geosynchronous transfer orbits (GTO), and sun-synchronous orbits. The PSLV is one of the most successful and reliable launch vehicles in ISRO’s fleet.

What is PSLV?

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is a prominent Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) development, belonging to the medium-lift launcher category. It has the capability to access various orbits, such as the Geo Synchronous Transfer Orbit, Lower Earth Orbit, and Polar Sun Synchronous Orbit. PSLV operations are centered at the Satish Dhawan Space Center on India’s east coast.

We’re now on WhatsApp. Click to Join

Configuration and Stages

First Stage: PSLV features a four-stage system that combines solid and liquid-fueled rocket stages. The first stage, located at the base, is solid-fueled and is augmented by six strap-on solid rocket boosters.
Second Stage: The second stage is powered by liquid fuel, providing additional thrust during launch.
Third Stage: The third stage is solid-fueled, contributing to the launcher’s propulsion system.
Fourth Stage: The fourth stage uses liquid propellant to achieve orbital insertion.

Payload Capacity

The launch vehicle’s weight can range between 229,000, 296,000, or 320,000 kilograms, depending on mission requirements. PSLV can be tailored to three distinct configurations:

Standard Version: The flagship version can carry up to 1,050 kilograms into Geo Synchronous Transfer Orbit and 1,600 kilograms into Polar Sun Synchronous Orbit.
Core Alone: Launched without the six strap-on boosters and with less upper-stage propellant, this configuration is primarily designed for missions with smaller payloads.
XL Version: The XL variant includes additional propellant in the strap-on solid rocket boosters, enabling a higher payload capacity.

Notable Launches

As of September 2015, PSLV has an impressive track record, with 87 successful satellite launches into various orbits. Notable launches include:

Chandrayaan-1: India’s first moon probe.
Mangalyaan-1: India’s inaugural Mars orbiter mission.
Astrosat: India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory.

PSLV Variant

PSLV Variant	No. of Strap-On Motors	Payload Capability to SSPO (600 km)	Payload Capability to Sub GTO (284 x 20,650 km)
PSLV-CA	Nil	1019 Kg	Not Applicable
PSLV-DL	Two	1257 Kg	Not Applicable
PSLV-QL	Four	Not Applicable	Not Applicable
PSLV-XL	Six	1523 Kg	1425 Kg

Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) Orbital Experimental Module

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) serves as a platform for conducting in-orbit experiments using the usually discarded final stage of the ISRO’s PSLV rocket.

In the recent PSLV-C53 mission, the PS4 stage was repurposed as a “stabilized platform” for these experiments. POEM carries six payloads, including contributions from Indian space startups Digantara and Dhruva Space.

To keep POEM operational and stable in orbit, ISRO has implemented several key features:

Power Generation: POEM will draw power from solar panels mounted around the PS4 tank, harnessing energy from the sun. Additionally, it is equipped with a Li-Ion battery to store and provide power as needed.
Navigation: The platform will use multiple systems for navigation, including “four sun sensors” to track the sun’s position, a magnetometer for measuring the Earth’s magnetic field, gyros for orientation, and NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) for satellite-based positioning and timing information.
Control Thrusters: POEM features dedicated control thrusters that use stored helium gas to control and adjust its position and orientation in orbit, ensuring stability.
Telecommand: It is equipped with a telecommand feature, which allows ground control to send instructions and commands to the module, enabling active management and operation of the platform.

PSLV vs SSLV

	PSLV	SSLV
Full Name	Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle	Small Satellite Launch Vehicle
Development Stage	Established and operational since 1993	In development, as of my last knowledge cutoff in September 2021
Launch Capacity	Medium-lift launcher	Light-lift launcher
Payload Capacity	Varies depending on configuration, but typically capable of launching payloads ranging from 1,000 to 1,900 kilograms into various orbits	Targeted at launching small satellites, with payloads ranging from 500 to 700 kilograms into sun-synchronous orbits
Variants	Multiple variants available (CA, DL, QL, XL)	Designed as a dedicated small satellite launch vehicle
Stages	Four-stage system (solid and liquid-fueled)	Intended to have a two-stage configuration
Primary Use	Used for launching a wide range of satellites, including Earth observation, communication, navigation, and scientific satellites	Designed specifically for launching small satellites, including CubeSats and small payloads, with a focus on dedicated and cost-effective launches
Mission Flexibility	Known for its adaptability and versatility, capable of various mission profiles and orbital destinations	Intended to streamline small satellite launches, offering more cost-effective and dedicated solutions for the emerging small satellite market
Track Record	Successful track record with numerous missions, both for Indian and international customers	In development, awaiting its maiden flight, with expectations of providing dedicated launches for small satellite constellations
Operational Status	Currently operational and widely used by ISRO	In development, planned for future operational use
Mission Frequency	Regularly used for a variety of missions	Intended to support a higher launch frequency for small satellite missions
Launch Center	Launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, India	Intended to be launched from the same location, SDSC SHAR, as well as other potential sites

Recent PSLV Launches

Year	Launcher Type/Title	Payload	Description
2021	PSLV-C51	Amazonia-1	Launched Amazonia-1, an optical earth observation satellite of the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) along with 18 co-passengers on February 28, 2021, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota.
2020	PSLV-XL/PSLV-C50	CMS-01	Launched India’s Communication Satellite on 17th December 2020 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (Harikota, Andhra Pradesh) into Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO).
2020	PSLV-DL/PSLV-C49	EOS-01	Launched an Earth observation satellite along with nine international customer satellites from SDSC SHAR on 7th November 2020 into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
2019	PSLV-QL/PSLV-C48	RISAT-2BR 1	Launched an Earth observation satellite along with nine commercial satellites from Israel, Italy, Japan, and the US on 11th December 2019. It marked the 75th launch vehicle mission.
2019	PSLV-XL/PSLV-C47	Cartosat-3	Launched the third-generation agile advanced satellite along with 13 commercial nanosatellites from the US on 27th November 2019 into Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO).
2019	PSLV-CA/PSLV-C46	RISAT-2B	Launched RISAT-2B without solid strap-on motors on 22nd May 2019.
2019	PSLV-C45	EMISAT	Injected EMISAT into orbit on 1st April 2019, along with 28 international customer satellites.
2019	PSLV-C44	Microsat-R and Kalamsat-V2	Launched Microsat-R and Kalamsat-V2 satellites into their designated orbits on 24th January 2019 from SDSC SHAR.

Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) UPSC

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is a versatile and reliable launch vehicle developed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). It is used to launch satellites into a range of orbits, including polar orbits, geosynchronous transfer orbits (GTO), and sun-synchronous orbits. PSLV features a four-stage system with solid and liquid-fueled stages, and its payload capacity can be adjusted to mission requirements, with variants like PSLV-CA, PSLV-DL, PSLV-QL, and PSLV-XL. Notable PSLV launches include Chandrayaan-1, India’s first moon probe, Mangalyaan-1, its inaugural Mars orbiter mission, and Astrosat, the first Indian multi-wavelength space observatory. ISRO also introduced the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) for dedicated small satellite missions.

Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) FAQs

What is the PSLV?

The PSLV, or Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, is an expendable launch vehicle developed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

What is the primary purpose of the PSLV?

The PSLV is primarily used to launch satellites into various orbits, including polar orbits, geosynchronous transfer orbits (GTO), and sun-synchronous orbits.