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Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle is ISRO’s four-stage workhorse launch vehicle. This family record models the source-backed PSLV-XL and PSLV-CA variants with exact S139, PSOM-XL, Vikas, PS3, and PS4 propulsion identities; QL and DL strap-on variants remain separate until their distinct motor identities are canonical.

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Identity

Aliases
PSLVPolar Satellite Launch Vehicle
Family Name
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
Full Name
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
Status
active
Type
rocket

Details

Description
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle is ISRO’s four-stage workhorse launch vehicle. This family record models the source-backed PSLV-XL and PSLV-CA variants with exact S139, PSOM-XL, Vikas, PS3, and PS4 propulsion identities; QL and DL strap-on variants remain separate until their distinct motor identities are canonical.
First Flight Year
1,993
Propulsion Configurations
  • Entries
    • Nested value
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    Name
    PSLV-XL
    Notes
    ISRO documents PSLV-XL with six extended PSOM-XL strap-on motors around the S139 core first stage, followed by Vikas, PS3, and twin-engine PS4 stage systems. The PS4 system identity intentionally remains stage-level because ISRO does not identify its engine model in the cited source.
  • Entries
    • Nested value
    • Nested value
    • Nested value
    • Nested value
    Name
    PSLV-CA
    Notes
    ISRO identifies PSLV-CA as the core-alone variant with no strap-on motors; the four-stage core uses S139, Vikas, PS3, and PS4 systems.
  • Entries
    • Nested value
    • Nested value
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    • Nested value
    • Nested value
    Name
    PSLV-DL
    Notes
    ISRO identifies PSLV-DL as the core vehicle with two S12 solid strap-on boosters; the existing XL and CA configurations are preserved.
  • Entries
    • Nested value
    • Nested value
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    Name
    PSLV-QL
    Notes
    ISRO identifies PSLV-QL as the core vehicle with four S12 solid strap-on boosters; the existing XL and CA configurations are preserved.
  • Entries
    • Nested value
    • Nested value
    • Nested value
    • Nested value
    • Nested value
    Name
    PSLV-XL exact S7 third-stage motor
    Notes
    ISRO identifies the PSLV PS3 motor as S7; this precision configuration preserves the existing four variant baselines and narrows only the XL third-stage motor identity.
Rocket Specs
Stages Count
4

Links

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Creation Time
August 13, 2026 at 22:34:19 UTC
Updated Time
August 13, 2026 at 22:54:08 UTC