ISRO Working on 40-Storey High Rocket to Carry 75 Tonnes of Payload.
ISRO Working on 40-Storey High Rocket : India’s space program is preparing for a giant leap forward with the announcement of a new 40-storey high rocket that will be capable of carrying an unprecedented 75 tonnes of payload into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This ambitious project was revealed by ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan, highlighting India’s bold vision to scale up its space capabilities to match future demands of science, technology, communication, and exploration.
A Colossal Leap in Rocket Design
The upcoming launch vehicle, which is being compared in height to a 40-storey skyscraper, signifies the scale of advancement India is targeting. ISRO’s earlier rockets, beginning from the modest Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) in the early 1980s, were capable of carrying only a few dozen kilograms into space. Today’s most powerful operational rocket from India, the LVM3 (GSLV Mk-III), can place about 10 tonnes into LEO. By contrast, the new rocket aims for 75,000 kilograms, making it India’s most powerful launcher ever planned.
This move clearly positions ISRO alongside the world’s leading space agencies and private players that are working on super heavy-lift vehicles capable of supporting space stations, deep space missions, and large satellite constellations.
Why Such a Powerful Rocket?
The growing needs of both national projects and international collaborations demand much heavier payload capacities. Some key drivers for such a rocket include:
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Large Communication Satellites: As bandwidth and connectivity demand rise, satellites weighing several tonnes are being built.
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Space Station Modules: India’s long-term ambition of having its own space station will require rockets that can lift large modules in a single launch.
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International Missions: The ability to launch heavy payloads also opens doors for commercial missions, as other countries may use ISRO’s services for deploying satellites or cargo.
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Future Human Spaceflight: A rocket of this scale would support extended crewed missions, cargo transport, and even lunar or Martian exploration.
Satellite Fleet Expansion
Currently, India operates about 55 satellites in orbit, serving purposes ranging from communication and navigation to weather monitoring and defense. ISRO has set a goal to triple this number within the next three to four years. For this, a reliable heavy-lift system is essential, as it would reduce the number of launches needed to deploy large satellite constellations.
Upcoming Projects
Dr. Narayanan also outlined a series of important missions lined up in the near future. These include:
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A new NAVIC satellite to strengthen India’s indigenous navigation system.
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The N1 rocket, a next-generation launcher under development.
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Launch of a 6,500 kg communication satellite for the United States.
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Deployment of a Technology Demonstration Satellite (TDS).
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Launch of GSAT-7R for the Indian Navy, enhancing maritime communication and surveillance.
These missions demonstrate ISRO’s expanding global partnerships and its role in strengthening national infrastructure.
Evolution of Capability
The journey from India’s first SLV, weighing just 17 tonnes and capable of carrying 35 kilograms, to this newly envisioned 75-tonne lifter shows the dramatic progress of Indian space technology. It reflects decades of engineering excellence, particularly in the development of powerful cryogenic engines, reusability concepts, and advanced launch systems.
The new rocket concept also aligns with ISRO’s Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) roadmap, which is expected to be modular, more eco-friendly, and partially reusable. While full details are yet to be revealed, it is clear that the “40-storey rocket” is part of India’s long-term push to compete in the global space economy.
Global Significance
With this step, India joins the small group of nations working on super heavy-lift launchers, such as NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) and SpaceX’s Starship. For India, this is not only a technological achievement but also a strategic move to secure its position as a cost-effective and reliable launch service provider in the international market.
Conclusion
The announcement of a 40-storey high rocket capable of carrying 75 tonnes signals a bold new era for India’s space program. It represents ISRO’s vision to go beyond conventional satellite launches and prepare for a future of space stations, deep space missions, and global commercial opportunities. From its humble beginnings to this giant leap, ISRO’s journey continues to inspire, proving that India is steadily becoming one of the most influential spacefaring nations of the 21st century.