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Satellite Launching Program - Science & Technology

SATELLITES, LAUNCH VEHICLES AND INDIAN SATELLITE PROGRAMMES

 
 

Satellites Launched by ISRO

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) has launched numerous satellites for various purposes, including communication, Earth observation, navigation, scientific research, and technological demonstration. Here are some notable satellites launched by ISRO:

Aryabhata (1975): India\'s first satellite, launched by the Soviet Union, primarily for scientific and technological research.

INSAT Series: The Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system consists of multiple satellites for telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, and search and rescue operations. Notable satellites in this series include INSAT-3A, INSAT-3C, INSAT-4A, INSAT-4B, and INSAT-4CR.

IRS Series: The Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites are used for Earth observation, resource management, agricultural monitoring, and environmental studies. Notable satellites include IRS-1A, IRS-1B, IRS-1C, IRS-1D, and later ones like Cartosat series, RESOURCESAT-2, and RISAT series for radar imaging.

GSAT Series: Geosynchronous Satellite (GSAT) series of communication satellites for telecommunications, broadcasting, and broadband services. Notable satellites include GSAT-6, GSAT-12, GSAT-15, GSAT-19, and GSAT-30.

Chandrayaan-1 (2008): India\'s first lunar probe, aimed at lunar exploration and mapping the Moon\'s surface.

Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) (2013): India\'s first interplanetary mission to Mars, studying the Martian atmosphere, surface, and mineralogy.

NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation): A regional satellite navigation system comprising a constellation of satellites (IRNSS) providing accurate positioning and timing information over India and neighboring regions.

Chandrayaan-2 (2019): An ambitious lunar mission consisting of an orbiter, lander (Vikram), and rover (Pragyan) to explore the Moon\'s south polar region.

Cartosat Series: High-resolution Earth observation satellites designed for cartographic applications, urban planning, and resource management.

RISAT Series: Radar Imaging Satellite series for all-weather Earth observation and surveillance

Launch Vehicles used by ISRO

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) has developed and utilized several launch vehicles to deploy satellites and conduct missions into space. Some of the prominent ones include:

PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle): One of ISRO\'s most successful and versatile launch vehicles. It has been utilized for numerous missions and is capable of launching satellites into polar and sun-synchronous orbits. The PSLV has a proven track record and has been used for various missions, including launching Earth observation satellites, navigation satellites, and international customer satellites.

GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle): Designed to launch heavier payloads into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) and geostationary orbit (GEO). GSLV Mk II and Mk III versions have been used for various missions, including launching communication satellites like GSAT series and interplanetary missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan.

GSLV Mk III (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III): The heaviest and most powerful launch vehicle developed by ISRO. GSLV Mk III has been instrumental in missions such as Chandrayaan-2, launching GSAT-29, and demonstrating capabilities for crewed missions (Gaganyaan program).

SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle): An upcoming small and cost-effective launch vehicle designed for launching small satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). It\'s aimed at providing dedicated launch services for smaller payloads.

Each of these launch vehicles has different payload capacities, capabilities, and target orbits, allowing ISRO to conduct a wide range of missions, including Earth observation, communication, navigation, interplanetary exploration, and scientific research. These launch vehicles showcase ISRO\'s advancements in launch technology and its ability to cater to various mission requirements

Indian Satellite Programmes

India\'s satellite programs have come a long way, playing a crucial role in the country\'s technological advancements and economic growth. Here\'s a breakdown of some major programs:

1. INSAT (Indian National Satellite System):

  • Launched in 1975, INSAT was the first operational satellite program in India, focusing on communication and broadcasting.
  • INSAT satellites provide telephony, television broadcasting, radio, and internet connectivity across the country, bridging the digital divide and reaching remote areas.
  • Newer series like GSAT offer advanced services like broadband, mobile communication, and disaster management support.

2. IRS (Indian Remote Sensing Satellite System):

  • Launched in 1981, IRS focuses on Earth observation for various applications like agriculture, forestry, water resource management, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure development.
  • IRS satellites provide high-resolution images of Earth\'s surface, enabling crop monitoring, land use planning, deforestation detection, and flood damage assessment.
  • Different series cater to specific needs, like Cartosat for high-resolution mapping and ResourceSat for monitoring natural resources.

3. Navigation Satellite System (NavSat):

  • India\'s own autonomous navigation system, launched in 2018 as IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System) and renamed NavIC in 2020.
  • Provides positioning and timing information similar to GPS, used for navigation, tracking, and various commercial applications.
  • Offers greater accuracy and independence from foreign systems, crucial for national security and disaster response.

4. Scientific Space Missions:

  • Chandrayaan series: Lunar exploration missions studying the Moon\'s composition, mineralogy, and surface features. Chandrayaan-2 even successfully landed a rover on the lunar surface.
  • Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan): India\'s first interplanetary mission, studying the Martian atmosphere and surface composition.
  • ASTROSAT: India\'s first dedicated astronomy satellite, studying stellar and galactic objects in various wavelengths.

5. Emerging Programs:

  • Gaganyaan: India\'s ambitious human spaceflight program aiming to send astronauts to space by 2024.
  • Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) technology: Development of reusable launch vehicles to reduce launch costs and environmental impact.
  • Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV): New launch vehicle for smaller satellites, catering to the growing demand for smaller spacecraft and constellations
 
 
 

 

Previous Year Questions 

1.With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2018)

  1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
  2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
  3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 3 only

Answer: (a)

Mains

1.What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (UPSC CSE Mains GS 32019)
 
 
Frequently Asked Questions on Satellite Launch Vehicles

What is a satellite launch vehicle?

    • A satellite launch vehicle, often referred to as a rocket, is a specialized vehicle designed to carry satellites and other payloads from Earth\'s surface into space and place them into their intended orbits.

How do satellite launch vehicles work?

    • These vehicles use propulsion systems to generate the necessary thrust to overcome Earth\'s gravity and propel the payload into space. They typically consist of multiple stages that burn fuel sequentially to achieve the required velocity for reaching orbit.

What are the main components of a satellite launch vehicle?

    • Key components include stages (each with its own engines and fuel systems), guidance and control systems, payload fairings for protection, and the payload itself.

What types of orbits can satellite launch vehicles reach?

    • Satellite launch vehicles can place payloads into various orbits, including low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), geostationary orbit (GEO), and polar orbits, depending on the mission requirements.

What are the different stages of a satellite launch vehicle?

    • Most launch vehicles consist of multiple stages: the first stage provides initial thrust at liftoff, followed by subsequent stages that detach as they burn out, reducing the vehicle\'s weight as it ascends.

Which organizations or agencies develop and operate satellite launch vehicles?

    • Various space agencies and private companies worldwide, such as NASA, ESA, ISRO, SpaceX, and ULA, develop and operate satellite launch vehicles.

What are the challenges in satellite launch vehicle development?

    • Challenges include achieving precise navigation and guidance, optimizing fuel efficiency, ensuring structural integrity, managing payload integration, and ensuring mission success while minimizing costs and risks.

How are satellite launch vehicles evolving?

    • Advancements in materials, propulsion technology, reusability (as seen in SpaceX\'s Falcon rockets), miniaturization, and improved efficiency in payload delivery are among the key areas of evolution.

What is the significance of satellite launch vehicles in space exploration and technology advancement?

    • Satellite launch vehicles are critical for deploying satellites that facilitate communication, weather monitoring, scientific research, national security, and exploration of the cosmos.