RajkotUpdates.News is an online news portal that covers various topics related to Rajkot, Gujarat, India, and the world. The portal recently reported on the successful launch of ISRO’s second operational mission of India’s heaviest rocket Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3), also known as GSLV Mark 3, which carried 36 satellites of UK-based OneWeb to low Earth orbit (LEO). The launch marked a historic milestone for ISRO, as it entered the global commercial launch service market with its most powerful rocket. In this blog post, we will discuss the details, significance, and implications of the RajkotUpdates.News LVM3-M2/OneWeb India-1 mission.
What is LVM3?
LVM3 is a three-stage rocket developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which is capable of launching heavy payloads to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) or LEO. The rocket stands 43.5 metres tall and weighs 643 tonnes at liftoff. The rocket has two solid strap-on boosters, a liquid core stage, and a cryogenic upper stage. The rocket can carry up to 4 tonnes of payload to GTO or up to 8 tonnes of payload to LEO.
What is OneWeb?
OneWeb is a UK-based company that aims to provide high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity worldwide through a constellation of LEO satellites. The company plans to deploy 648 satellites in LEO, covering the entire globe, and offer broadband services to various sectors, such as aviation, maritime, government, and rural areas. The company is a joint venture between India’s Bharti Enterprises and the UK government.
What is LVM3-M2/OneWeb India-1 Mission?
LVM3-M2/OneWeb India-1 mission is the second operational launch of LVM3, which took place on October 23, 2022, at 12:07 a.m. (IST) from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota. The mission was a dedicated commercial mission for OneWeb, through NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a central public sector enterprise under the Department of Space, Government of India. The mission carried 36 OneWeb satellites, weighing a total of 5,796 kg, to LEO, at an altitude of about 450 km. The mission was the first multi-satellite mission with the heaviest payload mass of LVM3 till date.
What are the Objectives of LVM3-M2/OneWeb India-1 Mission?
LVM3-M2/OneWeb India-1 mission had several objectives, such as:
- To demonstrate the performance and reliability of LVM3, as the most powerful rocket of ISRO, and to validate its operational readiness for future missions.
- To deliver 36 OneWeb satellites to their intended orbits, as part of the commercial arrangement between NSIL and OneWeb, and to support OneWeb’s goal of providing global internet connectivity through its LEO constellation.
- To enter the global commercial launch service market with LVM3, and to showcase ISRO’s capabilities and competitiveness in the field of space transportation.
- To enhance the bilateral cooperation and partnership between India and the UK, in the domain of space technology and applications.
What are the Achievements of LVM3-M2/OneWeb India-1 Mission?
LVM3-M2/OneWeb India-1 mission achieved several milestones and accolades, such as:
- The mission was completed successfully, as all the 36 satellites were placed into their intended orbits, within the stipulated time frame of about 1 hour and 40 minutes. The satellites were separated from the rocket in a predetermined sequence, and were acquired by the ground stations of OneWeb.
- The mission was the heaviest and the longest mission of LVM3 till date, as it carried the highest payload mass and performed the longest flight duration of the rocket. The mission also marked the first time that LVM3 carried more than one satellite.
- The mission was the first dedicated commercial mission of LVM3, as it carried the satellites of a foreign customer, OneWeb, through NSIL. The mission also marked the entry of LVM3 into the global commercial launch service market, as it competed with other launch providers, such as SpaceX, Arianespace, and Rocket Lab.
- The mission was the 14th launch of OneWeb, bringing its constellation to 462 satellites, which is more than 70% of its planned 648 satellites. The mission also brought OneWeb closer to its target of activating global coverage in 2023, while its connectivity solutions are already live in regions north of 50 degrees latitude.
What are the Challenges of LVM3-M2/OneWeb India-1 Mission?
LVM3-M2/OneWeb India-1 mission also faced some challenges and difficulties, such as:
- The mission was delayed by several months, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on the launch preparations and operations. The mission was originally scheduled for June 2022, but was postponed to October 2022, due to the lockdowns and restrictions imposed by the government and the health authorities.
- The mission was complex and demanding, as it involved the integration and deployment of 36 satellites, each weighing about 161 kg, in a single launch. The mission also required precise orbital injection and separation of the satellites, as well as coordination and communication with the customer and the ground stations.
- The mission was risky and competitive, as it involved the use of a relatively new and unproven rocket, LVM3, which had only one operational launch before. The mission also faced the pressure and expectations of the customer and the market, as it competed with other launch providers, who had more experience and reputation in the field of commercial launch services.
What are the Implications of LVM3-M2/OneWeb India-1 Mission?
LVM3-M2/OneWeb India-1 mission had several implications and impacts, such as:
- The mission enhanced the confidence and credibility of ISRO, as it demonstrated the performance and reliability of LVM3, as the most powerful rocket of ISRO, and as a potential contender in the global commercial launch service market. The mission also showcased ISRO’s capabilities and competitiveness in the field of space transportation, and its readiness for future missions, such as Chandrayaan-3, Gaganyaan, and Aditya-L1.
- The mission supported the vision and mission of OneWeb, as it delivered 36 OneWeb satellites to their intended orbits, and helped OneWeb to expand and complete its LEO constellation, which will provide high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity worldwide. The mission also supported OneWeb’s goal of providing connectivity across the length and breadth of India by 2023, and to various sectors and segments, such as aviation, maritime, government, and rural areas.
- The mission strengthened the cooperation and partnership between India and the UK, in the domain of space technology and applications. The mission also reflected the mutual trust and respect between the two countries, and their commitment to work together for the benefit of humanity and society.
Conclusion
RajkotUpdates.News is an online news portal that reported on the successful launch of ISRO’s second operational mission of India’s heaviest rocket LVM3, which carried 36 satellites of UK-based OneWeb to LEO. The launch marked a historic milestone for ISRO, as it entered the global commercial launch service market with its most powerful rocket. The launch also supported OneWeb’s goal of providing global internet connectivity through its LEO constellation. The launch also strengthened the bilateral cooperation and partnership between India and the UK, in the domain of space technology and applications. RajkotUpdates.News is an online news portal that provides insights and analysis on various topics related to Rajkot, Gujarat, India, and the world.