Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle
The GSLV or Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle was developed by India (Indian Space Research Organization) to launch satellites into geostationary orbit. It is a three-stage launch vehicle with the first stage being solid-propelled, the second liquid-propelled and the final stage being cryogenically propelled.
The first two flights of the GSLV were developmental. The first, partially successful, flight was in April 2001. The second, which was fully successful, was in May 2003 launching the experimental communication satellite GSAT-2. The first operational flight was the launch of the EDUSAT communications satellite on 20th September 2004.
The three flights of GSLV so far have used Russian cryogenic engine for the last stage. The next flight is expected to use an Indian cryogenic engine.
- Overall length: 49 m
- Lift-off weight: 401 t
- Number of stages: 3
- Payload(GSLV-D1): GSAT-1 (1530 kg)
- Launch Orbit (GTO): 180 x 36,000 km