1.What are the key advantages of the NGLV, and how does it address the challenges faced by India’s current space transportation capabilities?
The Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) offers several key advantages that address critical challenges in India’s current space transportation capabilities:
Key Advantages of the NGLV
Heavy Lift Capability:
NGLV can carry significantly larger payloads compared to the existing LVM3 (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk III).
Its payload capacity is nearly three times that of LVM3, allowing for larger and more complex missions without the constraints of payload weight or volume.
Reusability:
Unlike India’s current expendable rockets, a significant part of the NGLV will be reusable.
This feature reduces long-term costs, making space missions more financially sustainable.
Cost Efficiency:
Although reusability slightly reduces payload capacity, the savings from multiple uses of the same rocket offset the initial investment.
This will enable more frequent and economically viable launches.
Support for Advanced Missions:
The NGLV’s capabilities will facilitate human spaceflight missions, including the Gaganyaan program and future lunar expeditions.
It can also handle larger satellite deployments, critical for communication, navigation, and defense applications.
Strategic and Technological Growth:
Developing and deploying the NGLV will position India alongside other space-faring nations with advanced reusable rockets.
It will boost India’s strategic autonomy in space transportation, reducing reliance on foreign launch vehicles.
Addressing Current Challenges
Payload Limitations:
Current rockets like the LVM3 have a maximum capacity of 4,000 kg to the Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), which limits mission scope.
For heavier satellites like GSAT-N2, India currently depends on foreign rockets like SpaceX’s Falcon 9.
High Launch Costs:
Expendable rockets increase costs per launch, making frequent or large-scale missions less viable.
The NGLV’s reusability directly mitigates this challenge.
Complex Mission Requirements:
Missions requiring heavy lift often involve using multiple rockets (e.g., assembling modules in orbit for moon missions).
The NGLV simplifies such operations by accommodating larger payloads in a single launch.
Global Competitiveness:
Advanced rockets like SpaceX’s Starship offer far superior capacities and reusability.
The NGLV ensures India remains competitive in the global space industry while catering to domestic needs.
Therefore, the NGLV represents a transformative step in India’s space program, addressing existing payload, cost, and capability challenges while enabling ambitious future missions.
Source:
The Hindu