World Defense Forum The archive Database for Defense Worldwide

[🇮🇳] India's Space Program

  • Thread starter Thread starter Saif
  • Start date Start date
  • Replies Replies 20
  • Views Views 262
G   Indian Defense Forum
[🇮🇳] India's Space Program
20
262
More threads by Saif

Short Summary: Monitoring the development of India's space program

Saif

Senior Member
Jan 24, 2024
9,614
5,319
Origin

Residence

Axis Group

India’s push for home-grown satellite constellation gets 30 aspirants
REUTERS
Published :
Dec 24, 2024 21:39
Updated :
Dec 24, 2024 21:39

1735091176819.png

A satellite model is placed on a picture of Earth in this illustration taken November 25, 2024. Photo : REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/Files

Thirty Indian companies have answered the space regulator’s call to build and operate constellations of Earth observation (EO) satellites in a groundbreaking private-public partnership to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign data for defense, infrastructure management and other critical mapping needs.

“We have received 9 applications ... Each applicant represents a consortium, involving a total of 30 companies,” said Pawan Goenka, chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, or IN-SPACe.

The regulator had sought “expressions of interest” (EoI) in July to build home-grown satellite constellations as part of a broader strategy to monetize the sector and ensure data sovereignty.

India is doubling down on its small satellite and data services market to carve out a leading role in the global commercialization of space. The market for such services, increasingly key for industries ranging from telecoms to climate monitoring, is projected to reach $45 billion by 2030, opens new tab.

The applicants for IN-SPACe’s latest effort in this regard include startups such as Google-backed Pixxel and Baring Private Equity-backed SatSure, as well as larger entities like Tata Group’s Tata Advanced Systems. The companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Goenka said he expects technical evaluations to be completed by the end of January, after which a tender will be floated to determine the winning bidder.

IN-SPACe’s eligibility criteria include applicants raising or investing at least 850 million rupees ($10 million) in space-related activities, having a valuation of 8.5 billion rupees, or a turnover of 2 billion rupees in the past three years.

They must also set up spacecraft control centres in India or partner with ground station service providers for operational needs.

The government plans to loan up to 3.5 billion to the winner, with private companies expected to cover the remaining costs, according to a source familiar with the matter.

Since opening the sector to private players in February, India has established a 10-billion-rupee venture fund to support space startups.

The country has also unveiled ambitious plans for crewed space exploration and a mission to Venus, but the primary focus remains on fostering commercial ventures and scaling up private sector participation.

India currently sources much of its EO data from foreign companies and agencies like the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

IIFCL Projects Ltd, an advisory arm under the Ministry of Finance, is overseeing the bidding process.​
 

Explained: ISRO can now restart its 'CE20' Cryogenic engine in space​

Story by Sidharth MP
• 2d • 4 min read

1735533479774.png


Explained: ISRO can now restart its 'CE20' Cryogenic engine in space

Explained: ISRO can now restart its 'CE20' Cryogenic engine in space
Recently, the Indian space agency (ISRO) successfully conducted a crucial test that will enable its largest rocket LVM3 to inject satellites into orbits at different altitudes, all in a single mission. This restart capability is made possible due to the development of a 'multi-element ignitor' that can help restart the 'CE-20' Cryogenic engine that sits atop the LVM3 rocket. During this test, both the engine and facility performance were normal, and the required engine performance parameters were achieved as anticipated, ISRO said.

Vistaprint Customised Premium Plus Visiting Cards | Cream Food & Beverage Designs | Standard (89 X 51 Mm) | Quantity 100 Q



As the final stage of the LVM3 rocket, it is the Cryogenic engine that is responsible for placing satellites into different designated orbits(altitudes) in space. This capability improves the operational flexibility and commercial potential of a rocket.

When ferrying multiple satellites, it is crucial to have the capability to restart the final stage engine. That way, a single rocket can place multiple satellites in different orbits in an efficient manner, thereby avoiding the need for multiple rockets and multiple launches. In this case, ISRO tested only the first element of the multi-element ignitor, while monitoring the health of the other two elements. Eventually, ISRO would be able to perform two or three re-starts of the cryogenic engine.

PSLV has done several missions where it has placed multiple satellites in different orbits. For example, in April 2019, India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), in its 47th mission (PSLV-C45), launched EMISAT, the primary satellite and 28 international customer satellites. The primary Satellite was injected into a 749 km orbit, followed by two fourth-stage restarts to achieve a 504 km orbit, where all customer satellites were injected. Subsequently, the fourth stage was restarted again to achieve a 485km orbit to serve as an orbital platform to carry out space-borne experimentation.



Also read: ISRO simulates space conditions for astronauts in 'Habitat-1'. Here's what it is

Significantly, this latest Cryogenic engine restart test was carried out using a specialised test apparatus. Typically, ISRO tests the Cryogenic engine at a High Altitude Test Facility, which simulates space-like vacuum conditions. However, the High Altitude Test is a highly sophisticated process and it has certain technical limitations.

"While the Cryogenic engine is meant to fire in space for 200-300 seconds, we are only able to test fire it for a maximum of 25 seconds at the ISRO High Altitude Test Facility. This 25 seconds is just a fraction of the engine's actual burn time. Therefore, we devised a unique method to test fire the Cryogenic engine for its actual burn time. Known as a Sea Level test, this method is typically unsuitable for testing Cryogenic engines, but we introduced some new techniques that helped us test the Cryogenic engine successfully at normal earth-like conditions," Dr. V. Narayanan, Director of ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre explained to WION.



We devised a Nozzle Protection System that has paved the way for a cost-effective and less complex procedure for acceptance testing of cryogenic engines.

Also read: Explained: European Space Agency to help India 'see and speak' to Gaganyaan

How ISRO launched 36 satellites using LVM3, before having re-start capability

In October 2022 and March 2023, the LVM3 performed commercial missions for the private firm OneWeb (now Eutelsat OneWeb), launching 36 satellites during each mission. While ISRO had not developed the Cryogenic engine re-start technology back then, ISRO made use of Cold Gas thrusters to deftly move the Cryogenic stage of the rocket to safely place all satellites in their respective slots.

"The remaining liquid hydrogen in the Cryogenic fuel tank was used to manoeuvre the upper stage in a manner in which we could eject all 36 satellites in their designated orbital slots. This is known as a cold gas thruster because there is no fuel burning involved. This method provides small amounts of thrust that can help achieve minor variations in the orbit and attitude(orientation) of the rocket stage. This is used in some satellites as well, due to its safe and simple operation," Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre explained to WION.


So far, only the SSLV(smallest rocket) and PSLV(workhorse rocket) had the upper stage re-start capability. Now, the LVM3 also has this capability and it goes on to further enhance the commercial potential of our largest rocket, he added.

About the 'CE 20' Cryogenic engine

A cryogenic engine is among the most efficient and complex rocket propulsion systems. Cryogenic engines typically make use of liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2). The former liquefies at -183 degrees Celsius, the latter liquifies at -253 degree Celsius. The complex storage requirements for these super-cooled propellants make cryogenic engines more challenging to design and operate compared to conventional engines.

Also read: India's space agency ISRO launches Proba-3 mission satellites

The indigenous CE20 cryogenic engine developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre of ISRO is powering the upper stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle and has been qualified to operate at a thrust level of 19 tonnes.


This engine has successfully powered the upper stage of six LVM3 missions so far. Recently, the engine was qualified for the Gaganyaan mission with a thrust level of 20 tonnes and also to an upgrated thrust level of 22 tonnes for the future C32 stage, towards enhancing the payload capability of the LVM3 launch vehicle.

 

ISRO To Launch Its SpaDeX Mission From Sriharikota On December 30​

20h • 2 min read

1735539480466.png


ISRO To Launch Its SpaDeX Mission From Sriharikota On December 30

ISRO To Launch Its SpaDeX Mission From Sriharikota On December 30
New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch its year-end mission, "Space Docking Experiment" (SpaDeX), on Monday at 9:58 pm from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota. The mission will use PSLV-C60.

About The SpaDeX Mission

As per the ISRO, the primary objective of the SpaDeX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft (SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target, nominally) in a low-Earth circular orbit.




"In addition, SpaDeX, because of its small size and mass, is even more challenging due to the finer precision required for the rendezvous and docking maneuvers compared to docking two large spacecraft. This mission will be a forerunner for autonomous docking needed for future lunar missions like Chandrayaan-4 without the support of GNSS from Earth," ISRO said in a statement.

Who Was Vikram Sarabhai? Know All About The Man Behind Indian Space Programme, ISRO

Like all ISRO satellites in low-Earth orbit, both the SpaDeX spacecraft carry a differential GNSS-based Satellite Positioning System (SPS), which provides PNT (Position, Navigation, and Timing) solutions for the satellites.

"In SpaDeX, a novel RODP processor is included in the SPS receiver, which allows accurate determination of the relative position and velocity of the Chaser and the Target. By subtracting the carrier phase measurements from the same GNSS satellites in both Chaser and Target SPS receivers, highly accurate relative states of the two satellites are determined. The VHF/UHF transceivers in both satellites aid this process by transferring the GNSS satellite measurements from one satellite to the other. Hardware and software test beds, including closed-loop verifications, were carried out to characterise the RODP performance," the statement said.


Related video: ISRO’s SpaDEX Mission: ISRO’s Space docking mission set for groundbreaking launch (The Economic Times)
 

Attachments

  • 1735539480476.png
    1735539480476.png
    68 bytes · Views: 9

India successfully launches its first space docking mission

1735602862261.png

Photo: Courtesy/ISRO

India tonight successfully launched a critical space mission aimed at demonstrating for the first time its ability to join two satellites in space. If successful, this feat would make India the fourth country to possess the technology after the US, Russia, and China.

The mission, christened SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment), is a pioneering mission to establish India's capability in orbital docking, a key technology for future human spaceflight, bringing back lunar soil and landing a manned mission on the moon and set up a space station, the national space agency said.

"PSLV-C60 successfully launches SpaDeX and 24 payloads," Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh tweeted on the microblogging site of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) after the rocket's liftoff from Sriharikota space port in Andhra Pradesh, about 110km from Chennai, at around 10:00pm local time.

Four minutes later, Singh announced "successful separation of SpaDeX satellites" and said it "marks another milestone in India's space journey."

SpaDeX mission is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission for the demonstration of in-space docking using two small spacecraft.

The Spadex mission will see two satellites Chaser and Target align in the same orbit, reduce distance between each other, join and transfer electrical power between them, and then separate. After they separate, payloads on board both the satellites will continue to function for two years.

This technology is essential for India's space ambitions such as Indian on the moon, bringing back sample of soil from moon, the building and operation of India's space station.

In-space docking technology is also essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives.

Through today's mission, India is marching towards becoming the fourth country in the world to have space docking technology after the US, Russia and China, according to ISRO​
 

ISRO says it germinated seed in microgravity conditions in spacecraft


1736038459417.png

Photo: ISRO

India's space agency today said it has successfully germinated cowpea seeds in microgravity conditions in a craft sent to space.

The cowpea seeds were sent on the PS-4 Orbital Experiment Module (POEM-4) mission on December 30 and have germinated in the near zero-gravity conditions in just four days and enclosed the surroundings of space.

The experiment demonstrated progress in understanding how plants grow in space conditions, the Indian Space Research Organisation tweeted.

"Life sprouts in space! VSSC's CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies) experiment onboard PSLV-C60 POEM-4 successfully sprouted cowpea seeds in 4 days. Leaves expected soon," said #ISRO #BiologyInSpace.

ISRO Chairman S Somnath told NDTV that the cowpea germination is a maiden attempt to try and understand how life works in space.

The POEM module is carrying two other live biology experiments that will try to grow spinach cells and gut bacteria.

The research involved eight cowpea seeds placed in a regulated closed-box setting with precise temperature control, establishing essential groundwork for agricultural studies beyond the earth, ISRO said.

The system includes high-definition cameras, sensors for oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, humidity detectors, temperature monitors and soil moisture measuring devices.

The germination of cowpea seeds offers significant potential for future space expeditions, particularly for extended missions and establishing human settlements on other celestial bodies.​
 
ISRO Lives up to its expectation. Releases the video of Capturing Space debris by its SPEDEX.

Video: Isro demonstrates tethered debris capture in space​

Story by India Today Science Desk
• 12h • 2 min read

1736230000493.png


Video: Isro demonstrates tethered debris capture in space

Video: Isro demonstrates tethered debris capture in space
The Indian Space Research Organization (Isro) on Monday released a video which showed a sophisticated robotic arm of its SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) mission capturing tethered debris in space using visual servoing, motion prediction, and a parallel end-effector for precise manipulation.

Following the successful demonstration of tethered debris capture, the robotic manipulator will now be capable of capturing free-floating debris in the space environment and refuelling tethered and free-floating spacecraft.

The Debris Capture Robotic Manipulator (DC-RM), developed by Isro's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), features seven movable joints and can relocate itself on the PS4-Orbital Experiment Module (POEM-4) platform using an inchworm-like mechanism.

Its design includes advanced robotic joints, arm controllers, grappling mechanisms, cameras for precise movement, and obstacle-avoidance software powered by a high-performance processor.


One of the primary goals of the experiment is to demonstrate the robotic arm's ability to operate over a large area in orbit. It also serves as a step toward developing robotic technologies for future missions, including India's planned space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).

The arm's functions are expected to include visual inspection, end-to-end movement, cable-free operations, and remote task execution using a "digital twin" model.

In addition to robotic advancements, the SpaDeX mission is designed to showcase autonomous rendezvous and docking capabilities. This involves controlling one spacecraft using the Attitude Control System of another in a docked configuration.

These technologies aim to support future manned and deep-space missions by enhancing Isro's operational capabilities in space.

Earlier in the day, Isro achieved another remarkable milestone with its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS) aboard the PSLV-C60 mission after the cowpea seeds sent into space successfully sprouted their first leaves.

CROPS experiment was launched aboard the PSLV-C60 mission on December 30, 2024 to study how plants adapt and grow in the distinctive conditions of space, paving the way for advancements in space agriculture and long-term human space exploration.


Related video: SpaDeX Chaser captures Earth from space as Isro preps for docking next week, watch! (The Economic Times)

AA1aiqTY.img
The Economic Times
SpaDeX Chaser captures Earth from space as Isro preps for docking next week, watch!
 

Isro to dock SpaDeX satellites on Tuesday, epic space chase in final phase​

Story by India Today Science Desk
• 1d • 2 min read

1736231916884.png

India's ambitious Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission is poised for a historic milestone as its two satellites, the Chaser and Target, prepare to dock in orbit on January 7, 2025.

This mission marks a significant advancement in India's space capabilities, positioning the country among an elite group of nations capable of executing on-orbit docking operations.

Launched on December 30, 2024, the SpaDeX satellites are currently engaged in a carefully orchestrated sequence to close the distance between them.

Initially separated by approximately 20 kilometers, the satellites are gradually reducing this gap through precise maneuvers.

According to M. Sankaran, Director at the UR Rao Satellite Centre, the onboard propulsion systems will be activated to maintain and then decrease this distance to facilitate a successful docking.




The docking process involves intricate coordination, with the satellites set to communicate via an inter-satellite radio frequency link once they are within 5 kilometers of each other.

This communication will allow them to exchange vital data regarding their positions and orientations, crucial for the final approach. The docking mechanism itself is designed to execute a "hugging" action, ensuring a secure connection between the two spacecraft.


Spadex

Spadex
This mission is not just a technical demonstration; it represents years of research and development. The concept dates back to 1989, but it gained momentum after project approval in 2016.

Extensive testing has been conducted to validate the docking mechanisms and sensors required for this operation.


Related video: SpaDeX Chaser captures Earth from space as Isro preps for docking next week, watch! (The Economic Times)
SpaDeX Chaser captures Earth from space as Isro preps for docking next week, watch!


Successful completion of the SpaDeX mission would not only demonstrate India's growing prowess in space technology but also lay the groundwork for future endeavors such as satellite servicing and the establishment of India's planned space station, Bharatiya Antariksha Station.

As noted by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, India is set to become the fourth country globally to achieve such advanced docking capabilities.

With the countdown underway, all eyes are on ISRO as it prepares for this landmark event that could redefine India's role in global space exploration.

 

Drift arrested, SpaDeX satellites under control; minister reviews Isro progress​

Story by Chethan Kumar
• 19h • 2 min read

1736504111473.png


Drift arrested, SpaDeX satellites under control; minister reviews Isro progress

Drift arrested, SpaDeX satellites under control; minister reviews Isro progress
BENGALURU: A day after a drift between satellites caused Isro to postpone its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) for the second time, the space agency has managed to put the spacecraft in a slow drift course.

“...The drift has been arrested and spacecrafts put in a slow drift course to move closer to each other. By tomorrow (Jan 10), it is expected to reach initialisation conditions,” Isro said Thursday.



The space agency, however, did not confirm if it will attempt the docking on Friday or on a later date.

Earlier in the day, Union minister Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Space, met with senior Isro officials — including chairman S Somanath and chairman-designate V Narayanan — to discuss the space agency's ambitious upcoming missions for early 2025.

Isro has outlined an aggressive launch schedule for the first half of 2025, including two GSLV missions, a commercial LVM3 launch, and the crucial first uncrewed test of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.

Leading the calendar is the GSLV-F15 mission, scheduled for late Jan. This mission will deploy the NVS-02 navigation satellite, enhancing India’s NavIC constellation. The satellite features indigenously developed atomic clocks and new L1 band signal capabilities, with launch vehicle integration currently in advanced stages at Sriharikota.


Related video: Watch: The Moment ISRO's SpaDex Lifted Off Towards 'Antariksh Station' (Republic World)
Watch: The Moment ISRO's SpaDex Lifted Off Towards 'Antariksh Station'
Unmute
0

View on WatchView on Watch

“A major highlight is the upcoming Isro-Nasa collaboration Nisar (Nasa-Isro Synthetic Aperture RADAR) mission, to be launched aboard GSLV-F16. This advanced microwave remote sensing satellite will provide comprehensive Earth observation data every 12 days, particularly valuable for monitoring agriculture, earthquakes, and landslides,” a government statement read.

March 2025 will see the commercial LVM3-M5 mission launching BlueBird Block-2 satellites for US firm AST SpaceMobile Inc., under an agreement with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
For more news like this visit TOI. Get all the Latest News, City News, India News, Business News, and Sports News. For Entertainment News, TV News, and Lifestyle Tips visit Etimes
 

Indian space agency achieves satellite docking milestone
REUTERS
Published :
Jan 16, 2025 21:45
Updated :
Jan 16, 2025 21:45

1737072115622.png

A satellite model is placed on a picture of Earth in this illustration taken Nov 25, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

India became the world’s fourth nation on Thursday to achieve the feat of space docking, a technological milestone that underscores its ambitions to expand its share of a rapidly growing $400-billion global space market.

Target and Chaser, two satellites of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) that are each roughly the size of a large refrigerator, successfully latched onto each other at about 9 a.m. (0330 GMT), an agency spokesperson said.

The indigenous technology, crucial for satellite servicing, space station operations, and interplanetary missions, positions India for a key role in commercial and exploratory space efforts.

“India has ambitious missions planned and to achieve those, this is an important technology,” astrophysicist Jayant Murthy said.

“Various missions, like building a space station, need assembly in space, which is not possible without space docking.”

ISRO said the two satellites participating in its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), will now be controlled as a single object, with power transfer checks made in the next few days.

The mission had been postponed twice, first because the docking process needed further validation through ground simulations, and then to resolve an issue stemming from excess drift between the satellites.

SpaDeX, launched on Dec 30 from India’s main spaceport, deployed the satellites in orbit with an Indian-made rocket.

Among 24 payloads and experiments were eight cowpea seeds, sent to space to study plant growth in microgravity conditions, which germinated within four days of the mission’s launch.

Scientists say this is a critical step demonstrating that food can eventually be grown in space during long missions.

The mission will also demonstrate the transfer of electric power between docked spacecraft, key to applications such as in-space robotics, composite spacecraft control and payload operations after undocking.

Such techniques are essential for missions requiring multiple rocket launches.

Space exploration and commercialisation is a key part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to position India as a global superpower.

The successful SpaDeX mission “is a significant stepping stone for India’s ambitious space missions in the years to come,” Modi said on X.

On Thursday, India approved the setting-up of a third launch pad in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, to be completed in four years at a cost of 39.85 billion rupees ($461 million), giving a further boost to its space plans.

ISRO is focused on deep-space exploration and enabling private companies to commercialise the sector, with projects ranging from solar studies to orbital astronaut missions and planetary defence, in collaboration with NASA.

With the global commercial space market expected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, India aims to grow its share to $44 billion by 2040, up from $8 billion, or a slice of just 2 percent, now.​
 

Big boost for ISRO's space station, Moon mission: Govt approves construction of third launchpad at Sriharikota​



Big boost for ISRO's space station, Moon mission: Govt approves construction of third launchpad at Sriharikota

Big boost for ISRO's space station, Moon mission: Govt approves construction of third launchpad at Sriharikota
In a major boost for its future deep space missions, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is going to get a third launch pad at Sriharikota.

The Union Cabinet on January 16 approved the construction of third launchpad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.


This new facility will serve as a crucial redundancy measure and support ISRO’s ambitious future missions, including the New Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) programme.

India’s space capabilities will see a major advancement as the NGLV is expected to replace some launch vehicles with enhanced features, including modularity, greater payload capacity, and reusability.

What is NGLV programme

The Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) is a programme by the ISRO to develop a new rocket to launch satellites, spacecraft and other payloads. The NGLV is also known as the Soorya Rocket.

What’s the goal of NGLV programme

The NGLV will help India establish and operate the Bharatiya Antariksh Station. It will help India land a crew on the moon by 2040 apart from launching communication satellites, exploring deep space and transporting cargo.

What are the features of the NGLV


Related video: ISRO to build 3rd rocket launchpad at Sriharikota (WION)
the Sathish Dhawan Space Center at Sriharikota in the state
Loaded: 10.44%

AA1vph8R.img
WION
ISRO to build 3rd rocket launchpad at Sriharikota
Unmute
0

View on WatchView on Watch

  • The NGLV will be 93 meters tall, which is almost 21 meters taller than the Qutab Minar.
  • It will have a robust design that allows for bulk manufacturing and modularity. The
  • booster stages will use semi-cryogenic propulsion, which uses refined kerosene as fuel and liquid oxygen (LOX) as oxidizer.
What’s the timeline

The Union Cabinet approved the NGLV programme on September 18, 2024. The development phase is expected to take 96 months (8 years). The NGLV is expected to be completed by 2032.

This programme is likely to help India build a space station by 2035 and achieve a crewed landing mission on the Moon by 2040.

The NGLV aims to strengthen India’s position in the global space industry by lowering the cost of launches by reusing recovered components and offering enhanced capacity for carrying heavier payloads into orbits.

At present India has these active launch vehicles — Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk-III (LVM3).



According to the government, the NGLV will have “three times the payload carrying capacity at 1.5 times the cost compared to LVM3”. A sum of Rs 8,239 crore has been allocated by the Centre in its approval for the development of NGLV which will be completed by 2032.
 

Attachments

  • 1737097144535.png
    1737097144535.png
    68 bytes · Views: 8
  • 1737097144550.png
    1737097144550.png
    68 bytes · Views: 7

ISRO successfully demonstrates Vikas engine restart; flags off LVM3 for commercial operations​

1d • 2 min read

1737349618832.png


For representational purposes

For representational purposes
BENGALURU: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday announced that the team of research scientists had successfully completed the demonstration of the restart of the Vikas Liquid Engines on January 17.

The tests were done at the ISRO Propulsion Complex at Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu.


Vikas engine is the workhorse engine that powers the liquid stages of all the launch vehicles. The test marks a milestone in the development of technologies for recovery of stages, leading to reusability in future launch vehicles, a press release from ISRO read.

The scientists explained that a series of tests are carried out to validate the restarting of the engine under different conditions. During the test, the engine is on for 60 seconds and then it is shut-off for a period of 120 seconds, after this it is restarted and fired for a seven seconds duration.

“All engine parameters during the test were found to be normal and as expected. Earlier, a short duration restart test was successfully done in December 2024 with a shut-off time of 42 seconds and firing duration of seven seconds. More tests are planned in the coming days to optimise the performance of the engine under restart conditions,” ISRO added.


ISRO flags off LVM for commercial operations

ISRO on Saturday informed that the its Chairman V Narayanan flagged off the launch off the core liquid stage (L110) Launch Vehicle Marck-3 (LVM3) at Sriharikota on January 17. This is the 10th L110 liquid stage integrated at ISRO’s Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.

It is earmarked for the LVM3 mission under a commercial agreement between NSIL and AST and Science, LLC to launch their BlueBird Block-2 satellite. The L110 was designed and developed by Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre during the development of the LVM3 launch vehicle and is powered by twin Vikas engines with a propellant loading of 110 tones.
 

Isro ships crew module for first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission​

Story by India Today Science Desk
• 18h • 1 min read

1737612554300.png


Isro ships crew module for first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission

Isro ships crew module for first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission
In a milestone, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has dispatched the Crew Module for the first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan (G1). The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) completed the integration of the liquid propulsion system on Tuesday (January 21).

The Crew Module Propulsion System (CMPS) is a bi-propellant based Reaction Control System (RCS) and is meant for precise three-axis control (Pitch, Yaw and Roll) of crew module.

Piramal aranya OC Received


Piramal AranyaPiramal aranya OC Received

Ad

The control will come into play following separation of service module during the descent and re-entry phase until the deployment of parachute-based deceleration system.

This system employs 12 thrusters, each with a 100N capacity, along with a pressurisation system with high pressure gas bottles and the propellant feed system along with the associated fluid control components.

Furthermore, the Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) designed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) was also integrated to the module at LPSC.

Subsequently, the Crew Module will undergo further integration operations including avionics package assembly, electrical harnessing and checks at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) before dispatching to Bengaluru's U R Rao Satellite Centre for the final phase of integration of the Orbital Module.

Gaganyaan is poised not only to showcase India's growing expertise in space exploration but also to inspire a new era of scientific innovation.




Related video: Indian Cabinet approves a third launchpad at ISRO's Sriharikotav (WION)
at its Rose Space boat, the Satish Dhawan Space Center

 

Isro rolls out GSLV-F15 on launch pad with NVS-02: All you need to know​

Story by India Today Science Desk
• 2h • 2 min read

1737721457878.png

The Indian Space Research Organisation has rolled out the s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) on the launchpad with the NVS-02 Satellite, part of the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC).

The GSLV-F15 mission will launch on January 29, 2025 from the Second Launch Pad (SLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR and place the NVS-02 satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.

This will be the eighth operational flight of the GSLV with an indigenous Cryogenic stage and the 100th Launch from India's Spaceport Sriharikota.


GSLV-F15 on the launch pad. (Photo: Isro)

GSLV-F15 on the launch pad. (Photo: Isro)

WHAT IS NVS-02?

NVS-02 is the second satellite in India's new generation of navigation satellites, part of the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system.

NavIC is India's regional satellite navigation system, designed to provide accurate positioning, velocity, and timing information for users in India and nearby regions, up to 1,500 km beyond India.


NVS-02 will help improve NavIC's services, which are used for navigation, precision agriculture, emergency services, fleet management, and even mobile device location services. It carries an advanced navigation payload operating in three frequency bands (L1, L5, and S) to ensure high accuracy. It also has a precise atomic clock called the Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard (RAFS) for accurate timekeeping.

The satellite will replace an older NavIC satellite, IRNSS-1E, and be positioned at 111.75°E in orbit.


Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) is India's independent regional navigation satellite system. (Photo: Isro)

Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) is India's independent regional navigation satellite system. (Photo: Isro)
Weighing 2,250 kg, NVS-02 has a power capacity of around 3 kW and uses both indigenous and imported atomic clocks for better accuracy. By incorporating new L1 band signals, NVS-02 improves NavIC's compatibility with global navigation systems, ensuring wider adoption and better service.

Ad

The NVS-02 satellite has been meticulously designed, developed, and integrated at the U R Satellite Centre (URSC).

After completing the Assembly and Integrated Testing (AIT), the satellite underwent a rigorous thermal vacuum (thermovac) test during November-December 2024. This test was conducted to verify and validate its design and performance in a simulated space environment, ensuring it could operate effectively under the harsh conditions of space.

In December 2024, the satellite was subjected to a dynamic test to confirm its ability to withstand the mechanical loads anticipated during launch. This critical test validated the structural integrity of the satellite and its readiness for deployment into orbit.


One noteworthy point here is that Indian GSLV Mk2 rocket is considered to be 2000 k.g geo payload capable but same is being used to put 2250 KG in geo unlike China which inflates the payload carrying by comparing Geo payload of other rockets with Leo payload of Chinese rockets. India is all set to double the payload of all her vehicles.
 

Latest Tweets

Dogun18 Ghazi52 Dogun18 wrote on Ghazi52's profile.
Hello Mr. Legend!

Members Online

Latest Posts

Back