Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)

Syllabus: General Studies Paper 3

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing a rocket named Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) to replace its ageing workhorse the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) that was developed in the 1980s.

• ISRO to develop a ‘Bharat Krishi satellite’ to study the growth pattern of crops, identify irrigation deficiencies and provide information that will help in pest-control and verification of farm insurance claims besides many other applications.
• The space agency is exploring the possibility of increasing civilian use of the country’s indigenous satellite navigation system NaVIC.
• It is penetrating slowly into the civilian sector. But the primary goal of NaVIC continues to remain as a service to the strategic sectors.

NGLV 

• It will use ‘semi-cryogenic’ technology which is both efficient and cost-effective. 
• The new rocket could also be ‘reusable’. “
• A reusable rocket will have a smaller payload than an expendable one. If it is reusable, the payload will be around five tonnes and if it’s expendable, it will go up 10 tonnes.
• Participation of the industry would ensure that capability is created outside ISRO to build, operate and launch it on a commercial basis.