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Difference Between PSLV and GSLV
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) developed both the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) and the GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) satellite launch vehicles. The key difference between PSLV and GSLV is their ability to launch satellites into various orbits.
PSLV is mainly designed to launch satellites into polar orbits, which are orbits that pass over the Earth's poles. GSLV is used to launch satellites into geosynchronous orbit, which is an orbit above the equator that remains fixed in position relative to the Earth's surface.
Read this article to find out more about PSLV and GSLV and how they are different from each other.
What is PSLV?
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is an expendable launch system designed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to launch satellites in polar orbits. The PSLV has been in operation since 1993 and has a track record of over 60 successful launches.
The Four Stages of PSLV −
It uses a solid-fuel rocket motor to provide the rocket with initial thrust. Six strap-on boosters are attached to the rocket and ignite when it lifts off. These boosters provide the first stage with additional thrust, allowing it to reach the necessary height and velocity to reach space.
The second stage of thrust is provided by a liquid-fueled engine. After the first stage separates, the second stage ignites and continues to propel the rocket higher into space.
The PS4 stage is a liquid-fueled engine that is used to propel the satellite into its final orbit. The PS4 stage is also used for the satellite's final orbit adjustments and maneuvers.
Finally, the fourth stage of the PSLV is a smaller liquid propellant engine that is used to fine-tune the satellite's orbit.
The PSLV can launch a wide range of payloads, such as remote sensing satellites, earth observation satellites, navigation satellites, and communication satellites. It has the capacity of launching payloads weighing up to 1,750 kilogrammes into a 600-kilometre sun-synchronous orbit, which is a form of polar orbit that travels over the Earth's poles while maintaining a constant angle with respect to the sun.
The PSLV's flexibility is one of its primary advantages. During a single flight, the rocket can launch numerous satellites into different orbits. In addition, depending on the mission requirements, the PSLV can be configured with various combinations of stages and boosters.
What is GSLV?
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) designed the GSLV, which stands for Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. It is typically used to launch satellites into geosynchronous orbit, which is an orbit above the equator that remains fixed in position relative to the Earth's surface.
Since 2001, the GSLV has successfully launched multiple communication and weather satellites, as well as additional payloads. It is a three-stage rocket with liquid propellant engines in each stage. The GSLV's first stage is made up of a solid rocket booster and a liquid propellant engine. The second stage is a high-thrust liquid propellant engine, while the third stage is a cryogenic engine powered by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.
One of the primary advantages of GSLV over PSLV is its capacity to transport bigger payloads. GSLV has a payload capability of up to 2,500 kg for launches into geosynchronous orbit, which is much greater than PSLV's payload capacity for polar orbit missions. The cryogenic engine used in the third stage of the GSLV has a higher specific impulse, allowing the rocket to reach higher speeds and carry bigger payloads.
GSLV has been used to launch communication satellites, weather satellites, and other payloads into geosynchronous orbit. One of the most important missions in which GSLV participated was the launch of GSAT-14, India's first successful mission using an indigenously developed cryogenic engine.
However, GSLV has encountered some challenges in its development and operation. The cryogenic engine used in the third stage is a complex technology that requires specialised skills and infrastructure, making development and manufacturing tough for ISRO. In addition, some of the early GSLV missions encountered technical challenges and breakdowns, resulting in program delays and losses.
Despite these obstacles, the GSLV remains a significant part of ISRO's launch capabilities, allowing India to launch higher payloads into geosynchronous orbit for a number of scientific and commercial purposes.
Difference between PSLV and GSLV
The following table highlights the major differences between PSLV and GSLV −
Characteristics |
PSLV |
GSLV |
|---|---|---|
Full Form |
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) |
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) |
Cryogenic Fuel |
PSLV doesn't use cryogenic fuel. |
GSLV uses cryogenic fuel. |
Stages |
It has four stages. |
It has three stages. |
Boosters |
PSLV contains six solid boosters. |
GSLV contains four liquid boosters. |
Payload Capacity |
It has a lower payload capacity compared to the GSLV. It can carry up to 1,750 kg to LEO and 1,200 kg to SSO. |
It has a higher payload capacity compared to the PSLV. It can carry up to 2,500 kg to LEO and 5,000 kg to GTO. |
Engine Types |
It uses Vikas engines. |
It uses cryogenic elements. |
Cost |
More |
Less |
Fuel Type |
Solid and Liquid Propellants |
Liquid Propellants |
Conclusion
In conclusion, PSLV is designed for polar orbit satellite launches, whereas GSLV is designed for geostationary orbit satellite launches. GSLV can also carry bigger payloads and uses liquid propellant engines in all of its stages.
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