New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organization (Isro) has given the green light for the development of the next generation launch vehicle (NGLV), marking a pivotal step in advancing India’s space exploration capabilities. The move aligns with the government's ambitious vision of operating the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and achieving an Indian crewed landing on the Moon by 2040.
The NGLV is expected to significantly enhance India's space launch capacity, offering three times the payload capability and 1.5 times the cost-efficiency compared to the current LVM3 launch vehicle. Key features of the NGLV include reusability and modular green propulsion systems, enabling more cost-effective and environmentally friendly access to space. Designed to carry up to 30 tonnes to low earth orbit (LEO), the vehicle's reusable first stage further improves its economic viability.
Currently, India is self-reliant in space transportation, with vehicles like PSLV, GSLV, LVM3, and SSLV capable of launching payloads ranging from 10 tonnes to LEO and 4 tonnes to geo-synchronous transfer orbit (GTO). The NGLV will substantially extend these capacities.
The project is expected to attract significant investment from Indian industry, with manufacturing capacity built from the outset. The government has approved Rs. 8,240.00 crore for the NGLV's development, including three developmental flights, establishment of essential infrastructure, and program management.
Once operational, the NGLV will play a critical role in supporting a variety of national and commercial missions, including human spaceflight to the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, lunar and interplanetary exploration, and the deployment of satellite constellations for communication and earth observation.
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