ISRO's LVM3 will carry 36 satellites on debut commercial launch
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is ready to launch 36 broadband satellites of British start-up OneWeb via its heaviest rocket, the LVM3. It is the first LVM3-dedicated commercial launch on demand through NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a central public sector venture. The 143-feet tall rocket will lift off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh on October 23 at 12:07 am.
Why does this story matter?
ISRO has launched over a hundred successful space missions. Now, the LMV3 mission is the first of its kind. The heavy rocket will ship OneWeb's satellites to set up a global broadband service, accessible even to off-grid locations. India's Bharti Global Limited, a multifacted enterprise, is a major shareholder and investor of the British start-up.
ISRO has shifted the LMV3 rocket to the launch pad
The lift off capacity of the rocket is 640 tonne
LVM3 is assembled in three stages, with two solid strap-on motors, one liquid core stage, and a high thrust cryogenic upper stage. The cryogenic module enables delivery of payloads to LEOs at an altitude of 600km. The rocket is 43.5 meters tall and 4 meters wide with a lift off capacity of 640 tonne. It can deploy four-tonne class satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
Second phase of launch would be in 2023
The launch of LVM3 is a part of the two launch service contracts signed between OneWeb and NSIL, which operates under the Department of Space. The second phase of the launch would occur in 2023. "This contract with M/s OneWeb is a historic milestone for NSIL and ISRO, as LVM3 is making its entry into the global commercial launch service market," said ISRO.
