ISRO’s LVM3 Rocket Achieves Multi-Orbit Capability

PRELIMS BITS: SCIENCE & TECH

ISRO has achieved a significant milestone with its LVM3 rocket, enabling it to deploy satellites into multiple orbits during a single mission. This was made possible by the development of a “multi-element ignitor” for the CE-20 Cryogenic engine, which allows for engine restarts in space.

Key Developments

• The multi-element ignitor enables the CE-20 engine to restart in space, offering the flexibility to deploy multiple satellites in different orbits without additional launches.
• The CE-20 engine is crucial in accurately placing satellites in their designated orbits, with successful testing confirming its operational effectiveness.
• ISRO previously used cold gas thrusters for precise satellite positioning, but the new technology provides more advanced capabilities.

Future Prospects ISRO plans to enable multiple restarts of the CE-20 engine in future missions, enhancing the LVM3’s operational flexibility. The engine is also being upgraded to support the Gaganyaan mission, India’s first crewed space mission.