Strategic Significance Of GSLV Launch

The technologically complex cryogenic propulsion system is the zealously guarded preserve of only a handful of advanced space-faring countries which are not willing to transfer the technology of this crucial rocket propulsion system. India is the sixth country in the world to have mastered the cryogenic propulsion system, which provides more thrust for every kg of fuel burnt in comparison to the solid and earth storable liquid propellants.

By successfully demonstrating the capability of the indigenous cryogenic engine stage that is driven by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen at extremely low temperatures, ISRO has overcome a major   technological barrier in so far as building a domestic heavy lift launch capability is concerned. Indeed, the 630-tonne heavy lift GSLV-MKIII capable of placing a 4-tonne class satellite payload into a geostationary transfer orbit.

The message of the successful GSLV-D6 mission is that no technology, however complex and challenging it might be, is beyond India's capability to develop and deploy. 

The routine deployment of GSLV would free India from its dependence on the Ariane-5 vehicle of the European space transportation company, Arianespace, for getting its two-tonne plus GSAT/INSAT satellites off the ground. This “launch independence” would save Indian exchequer the enormous cost involved in paying for a commercial launch service.

It costs around $90-million for launching a communications satellite in 3.5-tonne weight class through a procured commercial space vehicle. India can also consolidate its position in the global commercial launch market by offering the services of GSLV-MKII for launching the satellites of international customers on commercial terms.

Of course, India has made modest forays in the satellite launch market by promoting its four-stage space workhorse PSLV(Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) as a cost-efficient space platform for launching light weight satellites into a variety of orbits for a fee. PSLV has set an excellent track record of reliability by launching as many as 45 satellites from 19 countries.

However, it is only a heavy-lift vehicle like GSLV-MKIII that could add “real muscle” to the Indian launch service business. Clearly, a home-grown, high- performance launch vehicle  capable of meeting Indian needs for launching heavier class satellites makes for  strategic  sense because it could  insulate the country from “whims and uncertainties” that the multi-billion dollar global space launch market could face in the future  due to shifting political, geo- strategic priorities. 

Further, with a heavy-lift capability under its thumb, there is no need for India to worry about the notorious technology denial regime as exemplified by the US trade sanctions and technology embargo.

By: Dr. Vivek Rana