The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV). This project aims to strengthen India’s space capabilities and is a key step towards achieving the government’s goal of establishing and operating the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and facilitating Indian crewed lunar missions by 2040.
Next Generation Launch Vehicle: A Leap for India’s Space Program
The Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) will provide 3 times the payload capacity compared to the current LVM3 launch vehicle, with 1.5 times the cost. NGLV’s reusable design and green propulsion systems are expected to lower the overall cost of access to space, making it more sustainable and efficient.
Importance of NGLV for India’s Space Missions
India currently uses the PSLV, GSLV, LVM3, and SSLV launch vehicles to launch satellites into Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). NGLV, with a maximum payload capacity of 30 tonnes to LEO, will further enhance India’s self-reliance in space transportation and prepare the nation for human spaceflight and lunar exploration missions.
Industry Participation and Project Timeline
The Next Generation Launch Vehicle development project will heavily involve the Indian industry, encouraging private sector investment in manufacturing from the beginning. The development phase will include three test flights (D1, D2, D3), with a target of completing the development within 96 months (8 years). The total funding for this project is ₹8,240 crore, covering development costs, test flights, facility setup, and launch campaigns.
National Impact of NGLV
The development of NGLV will enable India to undertake national and commercial space missions, including the launch of human spaceflights to the Bharatiya Antariksh Station. It will also support lunar and inter-planetary exploration missions, as well as communication and earth observation satellite constellations. This will boost India’s space ecosystem and help the nation become a key player in the global space industry.
Motivations Behind NGLV Development
India’s vision for the Amrit Kaal era requires advanced launch vehicles with higher payload capacities and reusability. The NGLV project supports this vision by offering low-cost access to space, enhancing India’s space transportation capabilities, and advancing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and crewed lunar missions.
Key Summary
- The Next Generation Launch Vehicle was approved by the Union Cabinet.
- NGLV will have 3 times the payload capability and 1.5 times the cost compared to the LVM3.
- The project will involve maximal participation from the Indian industry, with private sector investment.
- ₹8,240 crore has been allocated for the development, which will take 8 years and include three test flights.
NGLV will support human spaceflight, lunar exploration, and commercial satellite launches.
NGLV is India’s upcoming reusable launch vehicle with 3 times the payload capability of LVM3, aimed at lowering launch costs and supporting future space missions.
NGLV will allow India to launch heavier payloads into space, support human spaceflights, and enable lunar and inter-planetary missions at a lower cost.
The NGLV project is expected to be completed in 96 months (8 years), with three test flights (D1, D2, D3) planned during the development phase.
The Union Cabinet has approved ₹8,240 crore for NGLV, covering development costs, test flights, and essential infrastructure.
India currently uses PSLV, GSLV, LVM3, and SSLV launch vehicles to send satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geo-Synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
