Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh): The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) reached a significant milestone on Wednesday with the successful launch of its 100th mission, marking a remarkable achievement for the agency.
As ISRO celebrates this historic feat, the organisation has outlined an ambitious goal to complete the next 100 missions within the next five years.
Since its inception with the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) in 1979, ISRO has come a long way in 46 years, but one rocket in particular has stood out: the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
Dominating the agency’s missions, PSLV has been at the forefront, executing 62 of these launches.
The PSLV’s reliability has made it ISRO’s most trusted workhorse. Known for its unmatched consistency, PSLV has been instrumental in deploying a variety of satellites into precise Low Earth Orbits (LEO).
With a height of 44.4 meters, PSLV is capable of carrying payloads up to 1,750 kg to Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits at altitudes of 600 km.
It is also frequently used to launch satellites into Geosynchronous and Geostationary Orbits, with notable missions including satellites for the IRNSS constellation.
The PSLV family consists of four variants: PSLV-CA, PSLV-DL, PSLV-QL, and PSLV-XL, each designed for specific mission requirements.
The first PSLV launch, PSLV-D1, took place on September 20, 1993, although it was unsuccessful.
However, by October 1994, PSLV achieved its first successful launch, and over the years, it has become the backbone of ISRO’s satellite launch operations.
Among PSLV’s many accomplishments, two major missions stand out—Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and the Mars Orbiter Mission in 2013.
Both missions are hailed as landmark achievements in ISRO’s history, with scientists referring to them as “feathers in the hat” of PSLV due to their success and significance.
While PSLV has been ISRO’s most reliable vehicle, other rockets such as the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and the newer SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle) also play important roles in the agency’s operations.
The GSLV, which includes an indigenous cryogenic upper stage, has faced its share of challenges and repeated failures, earning it the playful nickname “naughty boy.”
However, in recent years, it has seen improved performance, with the successful INSAT-3DS mission last year marking a key turning point.
Scientists humorously remarked that the “naughty boy has matured into an obedient, disciplined boy,” after the flawless launch.
The Sriharikota spaceport, located approximately 135 km east of Chennai, has been the heart of ISRO’s missions.
The spaceport houses two launch pads, with the first one coming into service in September 1993, during the PSLV/IRS-P1 mission.
ALSO READ: Sunil Kanti appointed new head of Guwahati Refinery
The second launch pad was inaugurated in May 2005 with the PSLV-Cartosat-1 mission.
As ISRO celebrates its 100th mission, the agency is poised to continue pushing the boundaries of space exploration, with PSLV remaining the cornerstone of its satellite launch capabilities.
With the ambitious goal of reaching 200 missions within the next five years, ISRO’s journey is far from over, and its commitment to innovation and excellence remains unwavering.
