The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-II (GSLV-II) is a prominent Indian space launch vehicle developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Designed to place satellites into geostationary orbits, GSLV-II has been integral to India's advancements in space exploration.
Initially, GSLV-II earned the nickname "Naughty Boy" due to its inconsistent success rate during the early stages of its operation. This label mirrored the unpredictability and challenges faced in its missions, highlighting the hurdles ISRO overcame in developing the launch vehicle.
Recent successful launches, such as the deployment of the INSAT-3DS and NVS-01 satellites into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), have significantly uplifted the reputation of GSLV-II. These milestones have led to new nicknames like "mature," "obedient," "smarty," and "natty," signifying its enhanced reliability and performance.
GSLV-II is part of ISRO's diverse fleet of launch vehicles, which includes the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and GSLV Mark III (now known as Launch Vehicle Mark III or LVM3). While PSLV is celebrated for its reliability in launching satellites into polar orbits, GSLV-II and GSLV Mark III are tailored for heavier payloads and geostationary missions. GSLV Mark III, for instance, can accommodate satellites weighing up to four tonnes in GTO and eight tonnes in low Earth orbits.
The indigenously developed Cryogenic Upper Stage is a pivotal component of GSLV-II, significantly boosting its capabilities. With a nominal thrust of 75 kiloNewton, this advancement enables ISRO to launch two-tonne class communication satellites into geostationary orbits, representing a major stride towards India’s self-sufficiency in space technology.
Since its inaugural flight in 2001, GSLV-II has undergone a remarkable transformation. Despite experiencing setbacks with failures in 2006 and 2010, ISRO's relentless dedication to refining the launch vehicle has resulted in GSLV-II now being regarded as a dependable option for satellite launches, likened to "matured wine" due to its enhanced performance.
Q1. What is GSLV-II and its primary function?
Answer: GSLV-II is an Indian launch vehicle developed by ISRO, designed for placing satellites into geostationary orbits, facilitating various space missions.
Q2. Why was GSLV-II referred to as the "Naughty Boy"?
Answer: The nickname "Naughty Boy" originated from GSLV-II's early inconsistent success rate, reflecting the challenges faced during its development and missions.
Q3. What recent successes have improved GSLV-II's image?
Answer: Successful launches such as INSAT-3DS and NVS-01 have enhanced GSLV-II's reputation, earning it new nicknames like "mature" and "obedient."
Q4. How does GSLV-II compare with other ISRO launch vehicles?
Answer: Compared to PSLV, which excels in polar orbits, GSLV-II and GSLV Mark III are focused on heavier payloads for geostationary missions.
Q5. What is the significance of the Cryogenic Upper Stage in GSLV-II?
Answer: The Cryogenic Upper Stage enhances GSLV-II's capability, enabling the launch of two-tonne communication satellites, marking a key achievement in India's space technology.
Question 1: What does GSLV-II stand for?
A) Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-I
B) Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle-II
C) Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-II
D) Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle-I
Correct Answer: C
Question 2: What is a notable feature of GSLV-II?
A) It cannot launch heavy payloads
B) It includes an indigenously developed Cryogenic Upper Stage
C) It is used only for polar orbits
D) It was developed by NASA
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: When did GSLV-II have its first development flight?
A) 1995
B) 2001
C) 2010
D) 2015
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What satellite was recently launched by GSLV-II?
A) INSAT-3DS
B) PSLV-C37
C) GSLV Mark III
D) Mangalyaan
Correct Answer: A
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