Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV)
The Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) was developed to enhance payload capacity to 150 kg for Low Earth Orbit (LEO), triple that of SLV-3. It served as a low-cost intermediate launch vehicle to test technologies like strap-on boosters, inertial navigation, bulbous heat shield, vertical integration, and closed-loop guidance.
Under the ASLV programme, four developmental flights were carried out:
- ASLV-D1: March 24, 1987
- ASLV-D2: July 13, 1988
- ASLV-D3: May 20, 1992 – successfully placed SROSS-C (106 kg) into a 255 × 430 km orbit
- ASLV-D4: May 4, 1994 – orbited SROSS-C2 (106 kg) with Gamma Ray Burst (GRB) Experiment and Retarding Potential Analyzer (RPA); functioned for seven years
