Why in news?
In August 2025 the Indian Space Research Organisation unveiled plans for the Lunar Module Launch Vehicle, a heavy‑lift rocket intended to support crewed missions to the Moon by the 2040s. The announcement signalled India’s ambition to join the select group of nations capable of deep‑space exploration.
Evolution of India’s launch vehicles
India’s space journey began with sounding rockets in the 1960s. It progressed through the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV‑3) in the 1980s, the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV), the reliable Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) for Earth‑observation missions and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) for heavier satellites. The GSLV Mk‑III, renamed the Launch Vehicle Mark‑3 (LVM‑3), currently serves as the workhorse for the Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan programmes.
About the LMLV
- Capacity: The LMLV is expected to carry around 80 tonnes to low Earth orbit and about 27 tonnes to lunar transfer orbit. This far exceeds the LVM‑3’s capabilities.
- Engines: It will use semi‑cryogenic and cryogenic engines with improved thrust and efficiency. Reusable components are under consideration to reduce costs.
- Timeline: ISRO aims to test the vehicle in the mid‑2030s and have it operational by 2040 when India plans to land astronauts on the Moon.
Significance
A home‑grown heavy‑lift rocket would allow India to launch large payloads, assemble space stations and undertake deep‑space missions without relying on foreign providers. It also strengthens the domestic space industry and opens opportunities for international collaborations.