India plans to launch its first privately produced Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) this year. The vehicle, developed by a collaboration of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), will transport the Technology Demonstration Satellite-1 (TDS-1). This mission will put 35 cutting-edge indigenous technologies to the test, a significant step forward for India’s space sector.
In an exclusive interview, Isro chairman V. Narayanan stated that the PSLV is nearing completion, with Isro providing technical support. The TDS-1 payload is currently being built, and it will incorporate innovations including electric propulsion, an indigenous atomic clock, and quantum payloads.
One of the primary advances on TDS-1 is a 300 milli-Newton (mN) electric propulsion thruster developed by Isro’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC). This thruster, which is currently undergoing life cycle testing, provides a significant improvement over the 75mN thruster previously employed on GSAT-9.
Meanwhile, Isro is making progress with its Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV). The 93m-tall rocket is designed to carry payloads of up to 1,000 tonnes and will have nine LOX-methane engines in its core stage. Critical subsystem development is now underway, as are conversations with industry partners about manufacture and testing.
