Function Small launch vehicle Country of origin India Diameter 1 metre (3.3 ft) | Manufacturer ISRO Height 24 metres (79 ft) | |
Mass 41,000 kilograms (90,000 lb) | ||
The Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle or Advanced Satellite Launch Vehicle', also known as ASLV, was a five-stage solid-fuel rocket developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to place 150 kg satellites into LEO. This project was started by India during the early 1980s to develop technologies needed for a payload to be placed into a geostationary orbit. Its design was based on Satellite Launch Vehicle. ISRO did not have sufficient funds for both the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle programme and the ASLV programme at the same time and the ASLV programme was terminated after the initial developmental flights. The payloads of ASLV were Stretched Rohini Satellites.
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Vehicle
The ASLV was a five-stage vehicle. Two strap-on boosters acted as a first stage, with the core stage igniting after booster burn out. The payload capacity of the ASLV was approximately 150 kg to an orbit of 400 km with a 47-degree inclination.
At liftoff, the ASLV generated 92,780 kgf of thrust. It was a 41,000 kilogram rocket, measuring 23.5 metres in length with a core diameter of one metre.
History
The ASLV made four launches, of which one was successful, two failed to achieve orbit, and a third achieved a lower than planned orbit which decayed quickly. The type made its maiden flight on 24 March 1987, and its final flight on 4 May 1994.
Launch History
All four ASLV launches occurred from the SLV Launch Pad at the Sriharikota High Altitude Range. The launch pad was converted to an ASLV launch complex after the closure of SLV launch programme.