Whenever any new mission of ISRO is discussed, PSLV comes into the headlines. PSLV stands for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle. This is India’s third generation launch vehicle, which has carried out many big missions. Once again this is being discussed because ISRO will launch the SpaceX mission through PSLV. The full name of this mission is PSLV-C60.
Now the question is what is PSLV and how does it work? Does ISRO build a new PSLV for every new mission? If not, does the part that goes into space come back, if yes, then how? Let us know…
First talk about Spadex mission
ISRO will connect two spacecraft traveling in space through the SpaceX mission. This is called docking. If this mission is successful then India will become the fourth country to do so. Till now only Russia, America and China have been successful in the docking system. Under this mission, two spacecraft will be launched from PSLV. The weight of both is 220 kg. These spacecraft will travel in space at a speed of 28,800 kilometers per hour, after which ISRO will reduce their speed and connect both the spacecraft, electrical power transfer will be demonstrated between the two. After this there will be undocking of both the spacecraft. That means both the spacecraft will separate and start their respective operations.
What role does PSLV play in this?
PSLV is ISRO’s third generation launch vehicle. This is India’s first launch vehicle, which includes liquid stage, i.e. liquid rocket engine has been used in it. It has four stages.
First stage: The first stage of PSLV has a solid rocket motor. The solid rocket motor and six solid strap-on boosters are used to generate enough thrust to lift the PSLV off the launchpad.
Second stage: Liquid rocket engine is used here. This engine is known as Vikas.
Third stage: This is the part below the topmost part. It has a solid rocket motor, which pushes the upper part forward with a strong thrust.
Fourth stage: The uppermost part of the rocket is the payload, below it is the fourth stage. It has two liquid engines, which push the spacecraft towards the Earth’s orbit.
Which part comes back?
After PSLV launch, its three parts do not reach space and after giving momentum to the rocket, they fall into the sea. While the fourth part becomes space garbage. However, ISRO has also achieved success in not leaving garbage in space. Now you must have understood that PSLV is the name of a complete system. At the time of launching, its fourth stage reaches space and becomes garbage.
