The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), marking a pivotal advancement in India’s space exploration program. This initiative is a crucial step towards realizing the government’s vision of establishing and operating the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and achieving an Indian Crewed Lunar Landing by 2040.
The NGLV is set to significantly enhance India’s space capabilities, boasting a payload capacity three times greater than the current LVM3 vehicle while operating at 1.5 times its cost. This new launch vehicle will feature reusability and modular green propulsion systems, promising reduced launch costs and improved access to space.
Designed to handle a maximum payload of 30 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the NGLV will include a reusable first stage. 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). The development of the NGLV represents a significant leap forward, aligning with the Indian space program’s ambitious goals for the Amrit Kaal era, which call for advanced human-rated launch vehicles with enhanced payload capabilities and reusability.
The project will be carried out with extensive involvement from the Indian industry, which will invest in manufacturing capacity early on, facilitating a smooth transition to the operational phase post-development. The NGLV development plan includes three developmental flights (D1, D2, and D3) with a target completion timeline of 96 months (8 years). The approved budget for this project is Rs. 8,240 crore, covering development costs, the three test flights, essential facilities, program management, and launch campaigns.
The NGLV will support a range of national and commercial missions, including human spaceflight to the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, lunar and inter-planetary exploration, and satellite launches for communication and earth observation. This development is expected to significantly enhance India’s space capabilities and infrastructure, benefiting the country’s entire space ecosystem.