Chennai, Jan. 1 -- The Indian space agency is planning to develop at least two versions of its next heavy-lift rocket, 'Soorya', currently and rather unimaginatively referred to as the 'Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)'.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) appears to be drawing from its experience with the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which flies in multiple configurations-ranging from a core-alone version without strap-on motors to variants equipped with strap-on motors that enhance the lift capability of the solid-fuel first stage.
According to a tender document, ISRO is planning two NGLV variants: a core-alone version without booster motors and a full configuration with two strap-on motors. Both variants are ex...