- Recently, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has completed the static test of the human-rated solid rocket booster (HS200) for Gaganyaanprogramme.
- The booster engine is part of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MkIII (GSLV Mk III) rocket that will carry Indian astronauts to space.
- The GSLV Mk-III rocket which will be used for the Gaganyaan mission will have two HS200 boosters which will supply the thrust for lift-off.
- The HS200 is a 20-metre-long booster with a diameter of 3.2 metres and is the world’s second largest operational booster using solid propellants.
- The HS200 is the human-rated version of the S200 rocket booster of satellite launch vehicle GSLV Mk III, popularly known as LVM3.
- Since Gaganyaan is a crewed mission, the GSLV Mk-III will have improvements to increase reliability and safety to meet the requirements of ‘human rating.’
- The S200 motor – the first stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle designed to deliver 4,000 kg satellites to geosynchronous transfer orbit – was configured as a strap-on rocket booster.
- This full-duration test of the first stage of the launch vehicle marks a major milestone for the Gaganyaanprogramme.
- Design and development of the HS200 booster was completed at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram, and propellant casting was completed at Sriharikota.
- Out of the three propulsion stages of LVM3, the human-rated versions of the second-stage known as L110-G loaded with liquid propellant and the third stage C25-G with cryogenic propellant are in the final phase of qualification, including tests with static firing.
GSLV
- GSLV is a much more powerful rocket, meant to carry heavier satellites much deeper into space. Till date, GSLV rockets have carried out 18 missions, of which four ended in failure.
- It can take 10,000-kg satellites to lower earth orbits.
- The indigenously developed Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS), forms the third stage of GSLV Mk II.
- Mk-III versions have made ISRO entirely self-sufficient for launching its satellites.
- Before this, it used to depend on the European Arianne launch vehicle to take its heavier satellites into space.
- GSLV-Mk III is a fourth generation, three stage launch vehicle with four liquid strap-ons. The indigenously developed CUS, which is flight proven, forms the third stage of GSLV Mk III.
- The rocket has three-stages with two solid motor strap-ons (S200), a liquid propellant core stage (L110) and a cryogenic stage (C-25).
Gaganyaan Mission
Gaganyaan is a mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Under the Gaganyaan schedule (to be launched in 2023):
- Three flights will be sent into orbit.
- There will be two unmanned flights and one human spaceflight.
- The Gaganyaan system module, called the Orbital Module will have three Indian astronauts, including a woman.
- It will circle Earth at a low-earth-orbit at an altitude of 300-400 km from earth for 5-7 days.
Payloads:
- Crew module – spacecraft carrying human beings.
- Service module – powered by two liquid propellant engines.
- It will be equipped with emergency escape and emergency mission abort.
Significance:
- It will help in enhancement of science and technology levels in the country and help inspire youth.
- Gaganyaan will involve numerous agencies, laboratories, disciplines, industries and departments.
- It will help in the improvement of industrial growth.
- Recently, the Government has announced a new organisation, IN-SPACe, part of reforms to increase private participation in the space sector.
- It will help in the development of technology for social benefits.
- It will help in improving international collaboration.
- One International Space Station (ISS) put up by multiple countries may not be enough. Regional ecosystems will be needed and Gaganyaan will focus on regional needs: food, water and energy security.
SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES,MINT