Archive · 23 Aug 2025
ISRO Builds Heaviest Rocket for Lunar Missions
ISRO, India's space agency, is creating a massive new rocket called the LMLV.
This rocket, set to be finished by 2035, is designed to carry heavy loads to the Moon, including a crewed mission planned for 2040.
They began with small rockets in the 1960s, like the Nike Apache.
Over time, ISRO developed stronger rockets such as SLV-3, PSLV, and GSLV, each able to carry more weight and go further into space, which helped launch satellites and even missions to the Moon.
ISRO is building the Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV), its heaviest rocket.
LMLV is expected to be ready by 2035 and will support lunar missions.
The new rocket will carry 27 tonnes to the Moon and 80 tonnes to low Earth orbit.
ISRO launched its first rocket, a Nike Apache, in 1963.
ISRO's history includes SLV-3, PSLV, and GSLV rockets, each with increasing capabilities.
- Who
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is building the rocket.
- What
- ISRO is building the LMLV, its heaviest rocket, for lunar missions.
- When
- LMLV is expected by 2035, with a crewed mission to the Moon planned by 2040.
- Where
- The rocket development and missions are happening in India.
- Why
- To facilitate lunar missions, including a crewed mission.
ISRO Launch Vehicle Development
ISRO Focus
Launch Goals
ISRO Launch Vehicle Development
ISRO has developed a number of launch vehicles over the years, each with increasing capabilities.
ISRO Focus
The focus is on developing the LMLV for lunar missions.
- Rocket Name
- Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV)
- LMLV Ready Date
- 2035
- Moon Payload
- 27 tonnes
- Low Earth Orbit Payload
- 80 tonnes
- First Rocket Launch
- 1963, Nike Apache
- Current Heavy Rocket
- LVM-3
