PSLV-CA

PSLV-CA

The PSLV-CA (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle – Core Alone) is an Indian orbital launch vehicle operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and marketed commercially through Antrix Corporation Limited. It is a streamlined variant of the workhorse PSLV family, distinguished by the removal of the six strap-on solid rocket boosters used on the standard PSLV configuration, resulting in a lighter and more cost-efficient vehicle suited to smaller payloads and dedicated commercial missions.

Overview

Standing 44 metres tall with a diameter of 2.8 metres, the PSLV-CA shares the same four-stage, alternating solid-liquid propulsion architecture as the broader PSLV family. It is capable of delivering up to 3,800 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO) and 1,200 kg to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). Launches take place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on Sriharikota Island, off India's southeastern coast.

The PSLV family as a whole is one of the most reliable and historically significant launch vehicle lineages in Asia, having enabled India's planetary missions, Earth observation programs, and a thriving commercial small-satellite launch business. The Core Alone variant carved out a particular niche as a lean, flexible option for missions that do not require the full performance of the boosted PSLV-XL configuration.

Flight History

Our records show 33 tracked flights of the PSLV-CA spanning an active period from 1993 to 2027, with 28 successes and 2 failures or partial failures — a strong reliability record consistent with the broader PSLV family's reputation. The vehicle has served both national and international customers across its operational lifetime.

ISRO has used the PSLV-CA extensively for strategic national missions, including Earth observation and technology demonstration programs. Antrix Corporation, ISRO's commercial arm, has leveraged the vehicle to attract international payloads, making the PSLV-CA a familiar presence in the global smallsat launch market.

Notable Missions

Recent missions in our records highlight the vehicle's continued relevance. The SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) mission demonstrated advanced rendezvous and docking technology, marking a significant milestone in India's human spaceflight and on-orbit servicing ambitions. The DS-SAR and TeLEOS-2 missions, operated for Singaporean customers, reflect the vehicle's sustained commercial appeal. RISAT-2A represents its role in supporting Indian radar Earth observation capabilities, while TDS-01 served as a technology demonstration flight. The ISSA-J1 mission further illustrates the diversity of payloads the vehicle has accommodated.

Significance

The PSLV-CA occupies an important place in the story of India's rise as a spacefaring nation. Its combination of reliability, adaptability, and competitive pricing made it a preferred choice for international commercial rideshare customers at a time when the smallsat market was expanding rapidly. By offering a stripped-down configuration without sacrificing core performance, ISRO demonstrated a pragmatic approach to launch vehicle design — maximizing utility while managing cost. The vehicle's long operational lifespan and consistent track record cement its status as one of the defining workhorses of early 21st-century commercial spaceflight in Asia.