PSLV Continuation Programme: Utility

PSLV Continuation Programme: Utility

Question : The Union Cabinet has given its approval for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) Continuation Programme of fifteen operational flights of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C36 to PSLV-C50. Discuss the utility of this space programme.

• The PSLV Continuation Programme will assist in the launch of satellites required for:

- Earth observation
- Navigation
- Space sciences
- Commercial launch service contracts

• This programme is funded for INR 3090 crore and this includes:
- Cost of 15 PSLV vehicles
- Programme elements
- Programme management
- Launch campaign

• This programme will also meet the demand for satellite launches at the frequency of 4 to 5 per year

• Greater focus is on the level of participation by the industry of India

• 15 operational flights will be completed from 2017 to 2020

• PSLV operational flights sanctioned in 2008 are being utilised to meet satellite launch requirements

• Operationalisation of PSLV has given India autonomy and self reliance in:
- Launching capability of satellites for earth observation
- Disaster management
- Navigation and space sciences
- Capability and self reliance in launching of similar satellites for national requirements will also be attained

• Presently, PSLV operational flights, which were sanctioned in 2008, are being utilised to meet the satellite launch requirements.

Facts and Stats

• PSLV is a versatile launch vehicle for carrying out the following missions:
- Sun-Synchronous Polor Orbit (SSPO),
- Geo-synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and
- low inclination Low Earth Orbit (LEO) missions

• The launch of PSLV C26 on 16th October 2014 was an important milestone

• PSLV has at this point completed 3 developmental and 25 operational flights

• Last 27 flights have been successful

• PSLV has been established as a vehicle for national satellites; it could commence with commercial operations soon