Why in News? 

With the successful launch of the GSLV-F15 rocket, ISRO placed the NVS-02 satellite into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), celebrating its 100th mission and strengthening India’s space capabilities. 

Historic 100^th Mission from Sriharikota 

 ISRO’s Launch Vehicles 

What are Launch Vehicles? 

• Rocket-powered systems carrying satellites or payloads to space or beyond. 
• Provide thrust to overcome gravity and reach orbits like LEO, GEO, or interplanetary paths. 

How Do Launch Vehicles Work? 

• Rocket Propulsion: Follows Newton’s Third Law using solid or liquid fuels. 
• Multiple Stages: Each stage separates after burning its fuel. 
• Guidance & Navigation: Computers maintain the desired flight path. 
• Payload Fairing: Protects the satellite and detaches in space. 
• Orbit Insertion: The final stage places the satellite in orbit. 

 ISRO’s Operational Launch Vehicles