What is the maximum payload capacity of India's upcoming Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. 30 tonnes.
The NGLV is designed as a heavy-lift launcher to support India's future space station and moon missions. It can carry 30 tonnes to LEO when used as an expendable rocket, but this reduces to 15 tonnes in its reusable mode. Utilizing eco-friendly semi-cryogenic propulsion, it aims to be three times more capable than the current LVM3 rocket.
India’s current space launch vehicles—PSLV, GSLV, LVM3, and SSLV—are capable of deploying satellites up to 10 tonnes to LEO and 4 tonnes to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).