Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle

Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle

Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle
Function	Small carrier rocket
Manufacturer	ISRO
Country of origin	India
Size
Height	24 metres (79 ft)
Diameter	1 metre (3.3 ft)
Mass	41,000 kilograms (90,000 lb)
Capacity
Payload to 400km LEO	150 kilograms (330 lb)
Associated rockets
Family	SLV, PSLV, GSLV
Launch history
Status	Retired
Launch sites	Sriharikota
Total launches	4
Successes	1
Failures	2
Partial failures	1
First flight	24 March 1987
Last flight	4 May 1994
Notable payloads	SROSS
First Stage
Engines	2 solid
Thrust	502.6 kilonewtons (113,000 lbf) each
Specific impulse	253 sec
Burn time	49 seconds
Fuel	Solid
Second Stage
Engines	1 solid
Thrust	702.6 kilonewtons (158,000 lbf)
Specific impulse	259 sec
Burn time	45 seconds
Fuel	Solid
Third Stage
Engines	1 solid
Thrust	304 kilonewtons (68,000 lbf)
Specific impulse	276 sec
Burn time	36 seconds
Fuel	Solid
Fourth Stage
Engines	1 solid
Thrust	90.7 kilonewtons (20,400 lbf)
Specific impulse	277 sec
Burn time	45 seconds
Fuel	Solid
Fifth Stage
Engines	1 solid
Thrust	35 kilonewtons (7,900 lbf)
Specific impulse	281 sec
Burn time	33 seconds
Fuel	Solid

The Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (संवर्धित उपग्रह प्रक्षेपण यान) or Advanced Satellite Launch Vehicle, also known as ASLV, was a five-stage solid propellant 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 PSLV 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.

Vehicle

The ASLV was not a simple variant of the earlier SLV but a more complex vehicle; a five-stage vehicle with the core stage not igniting until the two strap-on first stage boosters burn out. The payload capacity of the ASLV is 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 fourth 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.

Three successive failures plunged the project into a crisis. ISRO scientist had to confront new technological challenges and one of the important design changes was the addition of the 2 strap on boosters attached to either side of the first stage. Strap on separation, bulbous heat shield, "closed loop" guidance system as opposed to the "open loop" guidance system of the SLV-3 and heat shield management and separation had to be adapted by the scientists. However, all the problems and new technological challenges were overcome with ISRO's customary resolve and zeal, and the important ASLV program crossed an important rubicon.^{[citation needed]}

Launch log

All four ASLV launches were conducted from the First Launch Pad at Sriharikota.

S/N	Launch date	Time (UTC)	Payload	Outcome	Remarks
D1	24 March 1987	06:39	SROSS A, 150 kg	Failure	First stage did not ignite after strap-on burnout.
D2	13 July 1988	09:13	SROSS-B, 150 kg	Failure	Insufficient control gain
D3	20 May 1992	00:30	SROSS-C, 106 kg	Partial failure	Lower than expected orbit and incorrect spin-stabilisation, payload decayed quickly.
D4	4 May 1994	00:00	SROSS-C2, 113 kg	Success

See also

• Comparison of orbital launchers families