Question

The GSLV Mk III rocket is composed of which of the following stages?

• A. L40, PS1, CE-7.5
• B. S200, L110, C25
• C. S139, L40, PSOM
• D. S200, PSLV Core, CE-20

Answer 1

Answer:

B. S200, L110, C25

• Correct Answer: Option C - S139, L40, PSOM

• The GSLV Mk III (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III), also known as LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark 3), is India's heaviest and most powerful rocket developed by ISRO. It consists of three main stages:

• S139 - The first stage is a solid rocket booster with 139 tonnes of propellant. This provides the initial thrust needed during launch.

• L40 - The second stage comprises two liquid propellant boosters (called L40) attached to the sides of the core. Each L40 booster contains 40 tonnes of hypergolic propellants.

• PSOM - The third and final stage is the cryogenic upper stage with the CE-20 engine, officially called PSOM (Propulsion Stage for Orbital Maneuvers). It uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen as propellants.

• This three-stage configuration gives GSLV Mk III its capability to launch satellites weighing up to 4 tonnes into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) or about 10 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), making it India's most powerful rocket and crucial for India's human spaceflight program (Gaganyaan).