🚀 Launch Vehicle: LVM3

The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), also known as GSLV Mk III, is India’s most powerful rocket and the designated launch vehicle for the Gaganyaan mission. It has been human-rated and upgraded to safely carry astronauts into low Earth orbit.

  • Three-Stage Heavy-Lift Vehicle: LVM3 consists of two solid strap-on boosters, a liquid core stage (L110), and a cryogenic upper stage (C25).
  • Human-Rated Modifications: ISRO has enhanced the vehicle with redundancies, crew escape systems, vibration dampening, and higher safety margins to meet human spaceflight requirements.
  • Payload Capacity: Capable of lifting over 8,000 kg to low Earth orbit, LVM3 is well-suited for carrying the Crew Module and Service Module combined.
  • Flight-Proven Design: Successfully used for missions like Chandrayaan-2 and commercial launches, showcasing reliability and adaptability.
  • Launch Site: Gaganyaan missions will be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, using a specially developed crew launch pad with integrated safety systems.

LVM3 will play a critical role in India’s human spaceflight journey — not just for Gaganyaan but as the core platform for future missions to the Moon, space stations, and beyond.

🚀 LVM3 Launch Vehicle – Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (formerly GSLV Mk III)
  • Mission Role: Human-rated launcher for the Gaganyaan mission
  • Height: 43.5 meters
  • Lift-Off Mass: 640 tonnes
  • Stages: Solid (S200), Liquid (L110), Cryogenic (C25)
  • Payload Capacity: 8,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
  • Human-Rated Upgrades: Crew Escape System integration, redundancy, vibration dampening
  • Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota
  • Crew Access & Emergency: New crew tower, access arm, escape chute installed

LVM3 is the backbone of India’s crewed space ambitions — strong, reliable, and ready for the next leap.