ISRO's Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing its heaviest rocket, named the Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV), aimed to be ready by 2035 for lunar missions, including the planned first human mission to the Moon by 2040.

Development and Capabilities

• The LMLV is designed to be as tall as a 40-storey building, surpassing the current most powerful rocket, the LMV-3.
• Payload Capacity:
  • Capable of carrying approximately 27 tonnes to the Moon.
  • Designed to carry 80 tonnes to low Earth orbit, compared to the NGLV's 30 tonnes.

Current Missions and Developments

• The LVM-3, which carried Chandrayaan-3, is human-rated for the Gaganyaan mission.
• ISRO is no longer working on the NGLV (Next Generation Launch Vehicle) meant for the Bharat Antariksh Station (BAS).
• A modified version of LVM3 with a liquid oxygen and kerosene engine will be used for setting up BAS by 2035.

Rocket Specifications

• The LMLV will be a three-stage rocket: 
  • First two stages using liquid propellant.
  • Third stage using a cryogenic propellant.
• First stage core, with two strap-on motors, includes 27 engines in total.

Comparison and Future Prospects

• The LMLV is described as an improved version of the NGLV.
• Without strap-on boosters, the LMLV would perform similarly to the anticipated NGLV.
• The development showcases ISRO's rapid design capabilities, completed within a few months.

Additional Information

A model of the new rocket is displayed at Bharat Mandapam, highlighting ISRO's ongoing advancements and plans for future space missions.