Question

Which of the following launch vehicles is known as “India’s Fat Boy”?

• A. GSLV Mk I
• B. GSLV Mk II
• C. GSLV Mk III / LVM-3
• D. PSLV-XL

Answer 1

Answer:

C. GSLV Mk III / LVM-3

• Correct Answer: Option C) GSLV Mk III / LVM-3

• The GSLV Mk III, also known as LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), has earned the nickname "India's Fat Boy" due to its massive size and payload capacity compared to other Indian launch vehicles.

• Key features of GSLV Mk III:

• It is the heaviest and most powerful launch vehicle developed by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)

• Has a payload capacity of around 4 tons to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and about 8 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

• Features a much wider body/diameter compared to earlier Indian rockets

• Uses a combination of solid, liquid, and cryogenic fuel stages

• Has been used for India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission and will be used for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission

• The nickname "Fat Boy" references its bulky appearance and significantly larger diameter compared to ISRO's older rockets like PSLV and earlier GSLV variants. This increased diameter and mass allow it to carry much heavier payloads, making it crucial for India's ambitious space missions that require lifting heavier satellites and spacecraft.