An important development in India’s space capabilities is the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) program, which is led by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The NGLV configuration was finished as of January 2025, and design work is now underway. In order to drastically lower launch costs and improve operational efficiency, the rocket’s first stage is made to be reusable, with an anticipated 15–20 reuse capability.
In September 2024, the Indian government formally approved the NGLV project.
It is anticipated that the development phase will take about eight years, ending in 2032.
In addition to supporting human spaceflight missions to the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and possible lunar landings by 2040, the NGLV is designed to support a range of missions, such as the launch of satellites for communication, earth observation, and deep space exploration.
The NGLV will be three times as capable as its predecessor, the LVM3, with a maximum payload capacity of 30 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Its modular design enables rapid turnaround times and large-scale production.
The rocket will use a mix of green propulsion technologies, such as liquid oxygen with kerosene or methane and semi-cryogenic engines.
The NGLV’s first stage can be recovered after launch because it is made to be partially reusable.
Both on land and at sea, the first stage will be able to land vertically.
Cost-effectiveness: According to preliminary projections, reusable configurations may cost about $1,900 per kilogram, while conventional expendable models cost about $3,000.
Compared to disposable rockets, reusable rockets are heavier because they need extra landing, thermal protection, and structural reinforcement systems. This can drastically lower the payload capacity, frequently by around 30%.
Because the first stage must endure high temperatures during re-entry, it requires strong thermal protection systems, which add to its weight.
Complex Landing Procedures: Sophisticated guidance and control systems are necessary to achieve a precise landing. The rocket needs to perform technically difficult and highly reliable maneuvers in order to slow down and land vertically.
Infrastructure Requirements: The landing site needs to have the facilities for inspection and renovation that are required to support recovery operations.
The reusable stage needs to be thoroughly inspected and possibly repaired after every flight. Turnaround times for upcoming launches may be impacted by this time-consuming and expensive procedure.
Cost of Maintenance: Some of the anticipated financial gains from reusability may be outweighed by the substantial ongoing expenses related to maintaining reusable rockets.
Repeated launches and landings cause reusable rockets to wear significantly, which eventually raises questions about their dependability. It is essential to make sure that every system can endure several cycles without failing.
Strict safety requirements must be met by every launch and recovery operation, especially if future missions include human passengers.
In addition to improving India’s launch capabilities, the NGLV puts the country in a competitive position within the global space industry. By emphasizing cost-cutting and reusability, ISRO hopes to reduce obstacles to space travel and support both commercial and national missions.
With its goals of large payload capacities, economical launch operations, and major contributions to global space endeavors, the NGLV is a game-changer for ISRO and India’s space exploration aspirations.
