1. Brief Introduction and Overview

    - Recently, the Union Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister of India, has decided to go ahead with the development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), signalling a major leap forward in India's space technology and exploration agenda.

 

2. About the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) 

    - The NGLV is set to be an advanced space vehicle that boasts a payload capability three times that of the current Launch Vehicle Mark III (LVM3) and costs only 1.5 times more.

    - This launch vehicle will have a reusable staging, which will make access to space more cost-effective. Moreover, it will be equipped with modular green propulsion systems, a step towards ensuring sustainability in space explorations.

    - The aim is to design the vehicle with a maximum payload capability of delivering up to 30 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit.

 

3. Implementation Strategy of the Project

    - The plan is to involve substantial participation from Indian industries in this development project, encouraging them to invest in the manufacturing capacity right from the start.

    - This strategic participation will ensure a seamless transition into the operational phase following the development.

    - The project is planned to be demonstrated through three development flights (D1, D2, and D3) over a span of 96 months (8 years).

    - The total fund allocated for this project is Rs. 8240.00 Crore, inclusive of development costs, three developmental flights, initiating essential facilities, programme management, and launch campaign.

 

4. Significance of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle

    - The NGLV project holds great significance as it is set to facilitate both national and commercial missions and human spaceflight missions to the Bhartiya Antariksh Station.

    - It will be instrumental in Lunar and interplanetary exploration missions, and in launching communications and earth observation satellite constellations to Low Earth Orbit. 

    - All these exploratory missions will immensely benefit the entire space ecosystem in India.

    - Besides garnering new scientific insights, it is also projected to give a significant impetus to the Indian space ecosystem in terms of its capability and capacity, thus setting a strong foundation for future extraterrestrial explorations.