Preparations in full swing for December 15 GSLV mission

GSLV is a three stage vehicle. GSLV is 49 metre tall, with 414 tonne lift off weight. First stage comprises S125 solid booster with four liquid (L40) strap-ons. Second stage (GS2) is liquid engine and the third stage (GS3) is a cryostage.

The cryostage is more efficient compared to the liquid stage in PSLV.

This means that the thrust developed by burning each kg of propellant is higher in cryo engine, hence can place larger payloads with higher weight into orbit. “Cryo stage as final stage is hence essential for a launcher with higher payload capacity”, an ISRO official said.