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Next Generation Launch Vehicle

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The Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)(Soorya-:unofficial name) is a three-stage partially reusable Heavy-lift launch vehicle, currently under development by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This vehicle is designed to replace currently operational systems like PSLV, GSLV and LVM3. The project was previously referred to as Unified Launch Vehicle (ULV).[9][10][11]

Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)
FunctionMedium to Heavy-lift launch vehicle
ManufacturerISRO
Country of originIndia
Size
Height93 m (305 ft)[1]
Width5 m (16 ft)
Mass600 t (590 long tons; 660 short tons) to 1,094 t (1,077 long tons; 1,206 short tons)
Booster stage – S200 Boosters (NGLV-H)
Height25 m (82 ft)[2]
Diameter3.2 m (10 ft)[3]
Empty mass31,000 kg (68,000 lb) each[4]
Gross mass236,000 kg (520,000 lb) each[4]
Propellant mass205,000 kg (452,000 lb) each[4]
Powered bySolid S200
Maximum thrust5,151 kN (525.3 tf)[5][6]
Specific impulse274.5 seconds (2.692 km/s) (vacuum)[4]
Burn time128 s[4]
PropellantHTPB / AP[4]
First stage – (NGLV/NGLV-H)
Diameter5.0 m (16.4 ft)
Powered by9 LME-110
PropellantLOX / CH4
Second stage – (NGLV/NGLV-H)
Diameter5.0 m (16.4 ft)
Powered by2 LME-110
PropellantLOX / CH4
Third stage – C32 (NGLV/NGLV-H)
Diameter5.0 m (16.4 ft)[4]
Propellant mass32,000 kg (71,000 lb)[4]
Powered by1 CE-20[U]
Maximum thrust216 kN (22.0 tf)[4]
Specific impulse443 seconds (4.34 km/s)
PropellantLOX / LH2
Stages3
Capacity
Payload to LEO
Mass30–70 t (66,000–154,000 lb)[7]
Payload to GTO
Mass8,500 to 24,000 kg (18,700 to 52,900 lb)[citation needed]
Payload to TLI
Mass7,000 to 22,500 kg (15,400 to 49,600 lb)[citation needed]
Associated rockets
Comparable
Launch history
StatusUnder Development
Launch sitesSatish Dhawan TLP
First flight
2031
Type of passengers/cargo
[8]
[edit on Wikidata]

This family of three launchers was previously being designed for replacing the different core propulsion modules of PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3 respectively with a common semi-cryogenic engine and hence it was named as Unified Launch Vehicle (ULV).[12] Unlike the latest proposal of the launcher, the initial proposals were planned to be expendable. But the new proposals under the name of Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) suggests launchers having partial reusability.[13]

S. Sivakumar is the program director for ISRO's Space Transportation System and the projector director for NGLV at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).[14][15]

History

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Development

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The launch system has been in development since 2010s and has gone through various design changes with time. As ISRO's launch vehicles were ageing, the need for a new generation of launchers with interchangeable modular parts was realised. There have been several design changes since the first proposal.

Initial proposals

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More than a decade after starting the Cryogenic Upper Stage Project in 1994,[16] ISRO began developing a new semi-cryogenic engine that would be used on its next generation of vehicles of Unified Launch Vehicle (now NGLV), Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) and a heavy-lift launcher for future inter-planetary missions. On 22 December 2008, the government approved the development of semi-cryogenic engine technology at an estimated cost of ₹1,798 crore (US$215 million), with a foreign exchange component of ₹588 crore (US$70 million), for the completion of the project by 2014, the engine was then named SCE-200.[17]

In May 2013, the configurations of the launchers were revealed for the first time. They had a common core and upper stage, with four different booster sizes.[18] The core, known as the SC160 (Semi-Cryogenic stage with 160 tonnes of propellant, in the ISRO nomenclature), would have 160,000 kg (350,000 lb) of Kerosene / LOX propellant and be powered by a single SCE-200 engine. The upper stage, known as the C30 (Cryogenic stage with 30 tonnes of propellant) would have 30,000 kg (66,000 lb) of LH2 / LOX propellant and be powered by a single CE-20 engine.[19][20]

The four booster options were:

  • 6 × S-13, slightly larger than the S-12 on PSLV, to burn longer;
  • 2 × S-60, which appears to be a new solid motor development;
  • 2 × S-139, which is the first stage of PSLV and GSLV Mk I/II;
  • 2 × S-200, like on the LVM3.
 
ULVs' initial proposals with LVM3 for comparison.
Heavy-lift variant
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A potential heavy-lift variant (HLV) of the ULV, in theory was capable of placing up to 10 ton class of spacecraft into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. It was planned to include:[21]

  • A larger dual S-250 solid strap-on boosters as compared to the S-200 boosters used in LVM3;
  • A L-400 semi-cryogenic core stage, with 400 tonnes of propellant, using a cluster of five SCE-200 engines;
  • A L-27 cryogenic third stage, with 27 tonnes of propellant, using CE-20 engine.
Super-heavy-lift variant
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A super-heavy-lift variant, was also among the proposals. With multiple SCE-200 engines and side boosters, this variant would have been the most powerful rocket that ISRO had ever developed.[20]

Renaming and cabinet approval

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S.Somanath, speaking to NDTV on 29 June 2024, unveiled a proposal to officially rename the NGLV as "Soorya". It will be used to help complete the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Indian Space Station) by 2035 and send an Indian to the moon by 2040.[22]

Under the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet approved the development of the Next-Generation Launch Vehicle on September 18, 2024. This move bolsters India's ambition to establish and run the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and accomplish a crewed lunar landing by 2040.[23][24] The NGLV has been approved for ₹8,240 crore (US$990 million) in total. It will be implemented over 96 months (8 years) and comprises financing for program administration, facility establishment, and three developmental flights (D1, D2 & D3). It is anticipated that the private space industry would be crucial to the manufacturing and development process, easing the transfer from development to operational status.[25][26]

Design

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NGLV will have a simple, robust architecture that enables bulk production and modularity in stages, subsystems, and systems for quick turnaround times.[27] It's possible that the NGLV will be a three-stage rocket that runs on green fuel mixes, such as liquid oxygen and kerosene or methane and liquid oxygen for the SCE-200 engine, which runs on an oxidizer-rich closed combustion engine cycle. The first launch is slated for 2034–2035.[28]

According to ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, the new rocket has a load capacity of between 20 and 1,215 tonnes.[29] Industry players will handle the production and launches from the outset, with ISRO contributing to the development process.[30]

ISRO is seeking to add vertical takeoff, vertical landing (VTVL) capability in NGLV first stage and booster stage. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre is developing advanced navigation system, as well as steerable grid fins, deployable landing legs, and advanced avionics.[14][15] In order to save costs, the conceptualization, development and testing of new technologies for NGLV will be done on a small-scale vehicle (possibly ADMIRE test vehicle).[31][32] It will be possible to recover NGLV both on land and in the sea, according to S. Somanath. The recovery landing test will initially take place on land. Later on, a sea test of a similar nature will be conducted.[33]

During the assembly process, the NGLV will be horizontally erected at the launch pad. Several changes are being accommodated in the design of the third launch pad at SDSC for the rocket.[34]

Modifications and partial reusability

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SCE-200 (also referred as Semi-Cryogenic Engine-200) developed by Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre for LVM3 and Next Generation Launch Vehicle.

The development of the SCE-200 engine was completed in 2017 and the tests were contracted to a Ukrainian manufacturer Yuzhmash. In September 2021, in a virtual event being conducted by ISRO, the presentation mentioned a fleet configuration of a family of five rockets capable of lifting from 4.9 tonnes to 16 tonnes to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). The presentation mentioned the ongoing development of a new semi-cryogenic stage namely SC120 and an upgraded cryogenic stage namely C32. The configurations displayed more powerful engine stages; SC-400 semi-cryogenic stage, C27 cryogenic stage, and S-250 solid rocket boosters.[35]

In June 2023, ISRO revealed that the team working on the NGLV programme had already submitted a preliminary report on the rocket's details, manufacturing process, and approach toward development. The rocket is planned to be partially reusable along with its boosters. The development was expected to take another five to ten years.[36]

Following several months of preliminary planning and design and architectural refinement, ISRO has established a project team to begin construction of the NGLV. The third launch pad at Sriharikota will be required because the NGLV project, internally named "SOORYA," will differ from the current class of rockets in configuration. This was confirmed by ISRO chairman S. Somanath in an exclusive interview with The Times of India. The development of NGLV will involve teams with backgrounds in LVM-3, GSLV, PSLV, and SSLV.[37]

Propulsion technology

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Hot test of SCE-200 Power Head Test Article (PHTA) in intermediate configuration at ISRO Propulsion Complex.

With the aim of sending humans to the moon by 2040, ISRO has begun working on future technology development initiatives. It is expected that thirty tons of payload will be transported using rockets. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on September 4, 2024, by the Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT) and the Liquid Propulsion System Centre (LPSC) to jointly develop propulsion technology capable of lifting up to 30 tonnes and conveniently transporting bigger payloads to space and the moon. Eighteen to twenty-four months is the maximum time allotted for technology development.[38][39]

The launch vehicle's engine will use methane and liquid oxygen for propulsion. For engine development, RRCAT will make use of Laser Additive Manufacturing (LAM). According to Dr. V Narayanan, the director of LPSC, Soorya will require a minimum of 25 rocket engines; therefore, the current annual capacity of producing 2-3 engines will be upgraded. The physical construction of the engine will take eight years. Initially, the engine will be utilized to send cargo into orbit. Once the engine passes human-rating certification, Indian astronauts would be able to travel to the moon.[38][39]

List of launches

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Planned launch

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Main article: List of NGLV launches

2031

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Flight No. Date / time (UTC) Rocket,
Configuration 		Launch site Payload Payload mass Orbit User Launch
Outcome
D1 2031 (TBD) NGLV Third   TBA LEO ISRO Planned
Maiden flight of ISRO's Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), codenamed Soorya.[28]

2032

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Flight No. Date / time (UTC) Rocket,
Configuration 		Launch site Payload Payload mass Orbit User Launch
Outcome
D2 2032 (TBD) NGLV Third   TBA ISRO Planned
[28]
D3 2032 (TBD) NGLV Third   TBA ISRO Planned
The NGLV First Stage Booster is planned to be recovered in this Mission.[28]

Potential uses and problems

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As per a presentation done by S. Somanath at a conference in October 2022, the NGLV might offer launch costs of approximately $1900 per kg of payload in the reusable form and nearly $3000 per kg in the expendable format. The vehicle will also help in meeting India's need of setting up its space station by 2035. Other potential use cases will be in the areas of launching communication satellites, deep space missions, future human spaceflight, and cargo missions.[40][41]

Somanath also stated that as of now, the demand for such a high end rockets were low as there were very few customers who are required in such high end rockets and already rockets are available in the global market which creates a heavy competition for ISRO with other space agencies and private organisations if such high end rockets were created.[42]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Bagla, Pallav (21 September 2024). "ISRO's New Rocket 'Soorya', At 93 Metres, Taller Than Qutab Minar". NDTV. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  2. ^ "LVM3(Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk III)". ISRO. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  3. ^ "LVM3(Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk III)". ISRO. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i "LVM3". Archived from the original on 25 December 2014. Retrieved 21 December 2014.
  5. ^ "LVM3 S200 Booster First Static Test (S200-ST-01)" (PDF). Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. ISRO. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  6. ^ "India to test world's third largest solid rocket booster". Science and Technology Section. The Hindu News Paper. 7 December 2009. Retrieved 7 December 2009.
  7. ^ "New Re-usable Low-cost launch vehicle for Bharat". Press Information Bureau. Union Cabinet, Government of India. 18 September 2024. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  8. ^ Clark, Stephen. "India approves development of reusable launcher, space station module". Ars Technica. WIRED Media Group. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  9. ^ "ISRO's Next-Gen Launch Vehicle may assume PSLV's role". The Hindu. 13 October 2022. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
  10. ^ "ISRO developing new rocket to replace PSLV". The New Indian Express. 15 October 2022. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  11. ^ Bagla, Pallava; Sharma, Divyam (29 June 2024). "Mega Rocket 'Soorya' In the Making, Will Take Indians To Moon: ISRO Chief To NDTV". NDTV. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  12. ^ Srs (2 January 2013). "Antariksh: ISRO Unified Launch vehicle". Antariksh. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  13. ^ Livemint (30 October 2022). "ISRO eyes reusable rocket to carry heavier payloads into the orbit. Read here". mint. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  14. ^ a b "'Enormous task ahead of ISRO to realise Indian Space Vision'". The Hindu. 6 October 2024. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  15. ^ a b Choudhary, Puran (7 October 2024). "NGLV, Ganganyaan tech to help India's space tourism take off". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  16. ^ "How ISRO developed the indigenous cryogenic engine". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 10 January 2014.
  17. ^ "India to build semi-cryogenic engine for future missions | Brahmand News". www.brahmand.com. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  18. ^ "ISRO Unified Launch Vehicle Update". Antariksh Space. 3 May 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
  19. ^ Brügge, Norbert. "ULV (LMV3-SC)". B14643.de. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  20. ^ a b "LVM3, ULV, HLV & SHLV, Versions". www.b14643.de. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  21. ^ ""Indigenous Development of Materials for Space Programme" By Dr A. S. Kiran Kumar Presentation Slides". Indian Institute Of Science iisc.ernet.in. 21 August 2015.
  22. ^ "Mega Rocket 'Soorya' In the Making, Will Take Indians To Moon: ISRO Chief To NDTV". NDTV.com. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  23. ^ "Cabinet approves Next Generation Launch Vehicle Soorya to be developed by Isro". India Today. 18 September 2024. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  24. ^ "Cabinet approves development of Next Generation Launch Vehicle: All you need to know about India's next leap into space". The Economic Times. 18 September 2024. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  25. ^ "New Re-usable Low-cost launch vehicle for Bharat". Press Information Bureau. Union Cabinet, Government of India. 18 September 2024. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  26. ^ "Cabinet Okays Development Of Next Generation Of Satellite Launch Vehicle". NDTV.com. 18 September 2024. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  27. ^ "ISRO eyes next-generation launch vehicle for heavier payloads". cnbctv18.com. 30 October 2022. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  28. ^ a b c d Kumar, Chethan (14 March 2024). "SOORYA: Project team for rocket to build space station ready; 3rd launch pad at Sriharikota to come up". The Times of India. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  29. ^ "ISRO to launch India's first space station by 2028, says chief S Somnath". Moneycontrol. 23 December 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  30. ^ "NGLV development model will be announced soon: ISRO chief S Somnath". The Economic Times. 7 October 2024. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  31. ^ "Isro focuses on vertical landing capability". The Times of India. 27 December 2018. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  32. ^ "ISRO Is Working on Two Competing Reusable Launcher Designs". The Wire Science. 2 January 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  33. ^ Kumar, Chethan (7 October 2024). "Isro To Build 3rd Launch Pad, New Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) Could Also Land On Sea". The Times of India. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  34. ^ "Isro to build third launch pad at Sriharikota, Cabinet approval pending". India Today. 8 October 2024. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  35. ^ Siddarth MP (14 September 2021). "ISRO's new series of heavy-lift rockets to carry between 5-16 tonnes to GTO". WION. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  36. ^ "ISRO readies plan for next generation launch vehicle". The Hindu. 8 June 2023. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  37. ^ "SOORYA: Project team for rocket to build space station ready; 3rd launch pad at Sriharikota to come up". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  38. ^ a b Kumawat, Muskan (4 September 2024). "India will be able to send 30 thousand kg of weight to space, agreement between ISRO and RRCAT". Sangri Today. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
  39. ^ a b "Raja Ramanna Advanced Technology Centre & ISRO's Liquid Propulsion System Centre Signed MoU; Rocket tech To Materialise In 2 Years". Free Press Journal. Retrieved 5 September 2024.
  40. ^ Sarkar, Snehadri (31 October 2022). "ISRO Setting Up Next-Generation Launch Vehicle For Heavier Payloads By 2030: Here's All You Need To Know About It". thelogicalindian.com. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
  41. ^ Khan, Hadi (2 November 2022). "ISRO Is Building A Next-Generation Launch Vehicle For Heavier Payloads, Which Will Launch By 2030". Mashable India. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  42. ^ "Moon & Mars are all good, but Isro needs focus on rockets too". The Times of India. 16 July 2019. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
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