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ISRO Unveils C-C Nozzle, Redefining Rocket Engineering

This innovation is set to dramatically enhance the performance and payload capacity of ISRO’s launch vehicles…reports Asian Lite News

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced a significant breakthrough in rocket technology with the development of a new lightweight Carbon-Carbon (C-C) nozzle. This innovation is set to dramatically enhance the performance and payload capacity of ISRO’s launch vehicles, marking a pivotal advancement in its space exploration capabilities.
 
The innovation originates from ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) located in Thiruvananthapuram. 
 
According to information provided by ISRO in a statement, the development involved the use of advanced Carbon-Carbon composites to create a nozzle divergent, distinguished by its exceptional mechanical properties at high temperatures. This new nozzle divergent is characterized by its low density, high specific strength, and excellent stiffness—attributes that are crucial for enhancing the efficiency of rocket engines.
 
The newly designed C-C nozzle is anticipated to significantly elevate vital parameters of rocket engines, such as thrust levels, specific impulse, and thrust-to-weight ratios. 
 
According to ISRO, the potential impact of this development is significant, particularly for its workhorse launcher, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The PS4, the fourth stage of the PSLV, currently employs twin engines with nozzles made from Columbium alloy. 
 
“However, by replacing these metallic divergent nozzles with C-C counterparts, a mass reduction of approximately 67% can be achieved. This substitution is projected to increase the payload capability of the PSLV by 15 kg, a notable enhancement for space missions,” ISRO said.
 
Durability and Resistance Features
 
One of the standout features of the C-C nozzle is its specialized anti-oxidation coating made of Silicon Carbide. This coating significantly extends the operational limits of the nozzle in oxidizing environments, a common challenge in rocket operations. It reduces thermally induced stresses and enhances corrosion resistance, which together allow for extended operational temperature limits. These enhancements ensure that the nozzle remains durable and effective in the hostile environments of space.
 
The efficacy and reliability of the new nozzle were rigorously tested at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) located in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The testing protocol included a 60-second hot test conducted on March 19, 2024, followed by a more extended 200-second hot test on April 2, 2024. These tests confirmed the nozzle’s performance and hardware integrity, with temperatures reaching up to 1216K, aligning with the predicted outcomes and demonstrating robust system capabilities.
 
The development of the new nozzle was a result of a collaborative effort across multiple ISRO centres. The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) at Valiamala near Thiruvananthapuram played a critical role in designing and configuring the tests. Meanwhile, the IPRC was responsible for the instrumentation and execution of these tests at their High-Altitude Test (HAT) facility. This teamwork integrates ISRO’s technological advancements with its mission preparations.
 
This technological breakthrough significantly enhances the capabilities of ISRO’s workhorse launcher, the PSLV. It not only promises to support more ambitious space missions but also paves the way for advancements in other satellite launch vehicles. By increasing payload capacity, ISRO can undertake more complex and weightier missions, potentially including manned space flights and interplanetary explorations.
 
The successful development and testing of the Carbon-Carbon nozzle demonstrates ISRO’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in space technology. This breakthrough is expected to play a critical role in future explorations, contributing to ISRO’s growing reputation as a leader in global space research and exploration. (India News Network)

Indian space sector has endless potential: Capt. Gopichand

The Indian space sector, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and other private players, has endless potential, and it’s time to take elephant steps to scale higher, said Captain Gopichand Thotakura on Monday.

“India has achieved something which other countries have not been able to achieve for decades. And to really defy landing on the South Pole, as the first country shows that the potential is absolutely endless,” Captain Gopichand, who is soon set to become the first Indian to become a space tourist, told IANS.

Captain Gopichand will soon be a part of the six-person crew flying on Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission to the edge of space.

He said that most of space travel is restricted by funding. But with the opening of the sector to public-private partnership “space is not the limit anymore, we can reach far beyond what any other country has already reached. And what you saw with Chandrayaan is just a small example”.

He said that India, which is the most populated country in the world, has a foot in almost every industry possible, but “we are yet to put a human in a rocket launched from Sriharikota”.

“The funding is what we’re missing,” which will now happen due to privatisation of the sector.

Lauding the efforts of ISRO, he said the funds which the ISRO spent on the Chandrayaan mission to the Moon are “unbelievable”.

In August 2023, the Chandrayaan-3 mission, led by scientists at ISRO, made history by becoming the first nation in the world to land near the south pole of the Moon. It has also become the fourth nation to make a soft landing on the Moon after the erstwhile USSR, the US, China.

“I think that the world is ready to be awakened with what ISRO can do,” he said while speaking about the Gaganyaan mission and more from ISRO. He, however, noted that “It’s not about baby steps anymore, we need to take elephant steps”.

The Gaganyaan mission aims to send a manned three-day mission to space, which will orbit 400 km above Earth and will return.

Four group captains from the Indian Air Force — Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap, and wing commander Shubanshu Shukla — have been selected for the mission, slated for 2025.

Captain Gopichand, said to aspire for a day when a civilian, from a non-science background, from the Indian soil would fly to space, either as an astronaut or as a tourist.

“It is one of the things where I want to contribute. I don’t come from a military background. To be selected for such missions is to break the barrier, to put a civilian in space, to have our blood, who’s not from a military background. “

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ESA Chief Praises ISRO for ‘Astonishing’ Space Achievements

Josef Aschbacher said, “What India is accomplishing in space – especially in Lunar exploration – is astonishing.”

Director General of European Space Agency (ESA), Josef Aschbacher, heaped praise on the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its recent successful launches and said that India’s accomplishments in space and especially in lunar exploration is ‘astonishing’.

Aschbacher posted an appreciation post on X, after ESA hosted its 323rd Council meeting in Paris which was attended by the ISRO Chairman, S Somanath.

ESA Member States met in Paris, France, for the 323rd session of the ESA Council on March 26 and 27, 2024.

The European scientist also underscored that the significance of strengthening ties and deepening cooperation with international partners cannot be underestimated.

“What India is accomplishing in space – especially in Lunar exploration – is astonishing. We hosted ISRO’s Chairman, Dr. S. Somanath at ESA Council today. It was a milestone occasion for Delegates to learn more about current and future plans for ESA-ISRO cooperation,” he posted on X.

“The strategic importance of strengthening ties and deepening cooperation with international partners cannot be underestimated,” he added.

Additionally, Astronaut Thomas Pesquet also shared about meeting with the ISRO chairman and the ESA Director and said that the they witnessed enthusiastic exchanges between the two leaders.

“Very proud to welcome ISRO chairman Shri. S. Somanath at ESA HQ in Paris yesterday, with our director Josef Aschbacher. Enthusiastic exchanges between the two men, and abounding cooperation opportunities between the two organisations. Let’s co-travel to space together!,” he posted on X.

In a stellar display of prowess, India soared to new heights in 2023 with the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the South Pole of the Moon and the launch of Aditya-L1, India’s first solar mission.

These milestones not only secured India’s standing in the global space economy but also fueled the engines for the private space sector in India.

On August 23, 2023, the Chandrayaan-3 mission created history with the successful soft landing on Moon’s surface.

India is now the first nation to reach near the Moon’s unexplored South Pole and ranks amongst the top four nations to carry out a soft landing on the lunar surface.

Chandrayaan-3 is India’s third lunar mission and the second attempt to land softly on the moon’s surface. It’s part of the Chandrayaan program, a series of missions developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to explore the moon. The mission consists of a Vikram lunar lander, a Pragyan lunar rover, and a propulsion module that carries the spacecraft from Earth orbit to lunar orbit.

Additionally, in a major milestone, India placed its first dedicated solar mission, the Aditya-L1 spacecraft, in the Halo orbit. The country went gaga over this historic achievement, especially since this mission came at the back of India’s moon landing, the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Aditya-L1 reached Lagrange Point L1 which is about 1.5 million km from earth. The PSLV-C57.1 rocket carrying the Aditya-L1 orbiter lifted off successfully from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, in September. (ANI)

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Next generation rocket project report ready, says ISRO chief

The next stage is to approach the government for funds and also establish the mechanism for development along with the private industry….reports Asian Lite News

The project report for the next generation rocket has been submitted by the project team and the next stage is to seek government funds, said S. Somanath, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

He also said internal discussions are on about the next moon mission – Chandrayaan-4 as to what it should achieve differently that was not done by others.

Speaking to the reporters here after the successful orbiting of the country’s latest weather satellite INSAT-3DS Somanath said: “The project team of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) has submitted its report.”

The project team has also estimated the cost. The next stage is to approach the government for funds and also establish the mechanism for development along with the private industry.

The rocket design work is underway. The next generation rocket will be partially reusable and will have a carrying capacity of about 10 tonnes to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

Currently, ISRO’s heaviest rocket LVM3 has a carrying capacity of four tonne. Queried about the next Moon mission, Somanath said it has to achieve something new that was not done earlier by others, say “bringing a lunar sample back using a robot”.

“It will be a complex rocket and high-end technology is being developed. We are working on some novel design,” he said while underlining the requirement for funds. Somanath, however, ruled out categorically that India-US collaboration earth observation satellite NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) will be used for surveillance.

He said the NISAR will be used only for earth observation and focus will be on the Earth as a system. As to the status of other weather satellites like INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR, Somanath said the INSAT-3D launched in 2013 will be put to a different use.

On the status of the country’s human space mission, Somanath said 2024 will be the year of Gaganyaan for ISRO as it will be carrying out various tests and other activities to realise the country’s manned space mission in 2025.

Somanath said ISRO will be carrying out two more abort missions in 2024. Last year, the space agency carried out the first Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1) to demonstrate the crew escape system.

One test vehicle is ready. According to him, ISRO will carry out two unmanned missions, helicopter drop test, launchpad abort tests and several others.

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ISRO successfully tests fuel cell on PSLV-C58’s orbital platform, POEM3

The emission-free and efficient nature of Fuel Cells positions them as crucial components for future space habitats…reports Asian Lite News

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced a significant milestone on the space exploration frontier as it successfully tested a 100 W class Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell based Power System (FCPS) on its orbital platform, PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM3).

Launched aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C58) on January 1, the experiment marked a crucial step in assessing the operation of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel cells in the space environment.

ISRO took to the social media platform X and posted, “POEM-3 on PSLV-C58: VSSC/ISRO successfully tests a 100 W class Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell on PSLV-C58’s orbital platform, POEM3. https://isro.gov.in/FuelCellFlightTestedPSLVC58.html… Powering missions with efficiency and emitting only water, these fuel cells are the future for power production in space habitats”.

According to ISRO, the primary objective of this experiment was to collect valuable data that would aid in designing systems for future space missions.

During the short-duration test onboard POEM3, the Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell generated 180 W of power using Hydrogen and Oxygen gases stored in high-pressure vessels.

The test provided a wealth of data on the performance of various static and dynamic systems integral to the power system, shedding light on the physics at play in space.

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells utilize Hydrogen and Oxygen gases to produce electricity directly, accompanied by the generation of pure water and heat.

Unlike conventional generators that rely on combustion reactions, these fuel cells operate on electrochemical principles, similar to batteries.

Their efficiency stems from the ability to produce electricity directly from fuels, making them highly efficient. Moreover, they are emission-free, with water being the only by-product.

These fuel cells present an ideal solution for space missions involving human presence, as they can fulfil the essential requirements of electric power, water, and heat in a single system.

The emission-free and efficient nature of Fuel Cells positions them as crucial components for future space habitats.

Beyond space exploration, Fuel Cells hold significant potential for societal applications. They are seen as a promising solution to replace engines in various types of vehicles and power standby systems.

With capabilities matching conventional engines in terms of range and fuel recharge time, Fuel Cells present a compelling alternative to batteries in the realm of emission-free transportation.

The successful testing of the Fuel Cell on PSLV-C58’s orbital platform reflects ISRO’s commitment to advancing space technology and exploring sustainable solutions for future space missions.

The fuel cell’s ability to provide both power and pure water makes it an ideal power source for space stations, emphasizing its multifaceted potential in the realm of space exploration. (ANI)

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Foreign Minister Jaishankar Lauds ISRO on Lunar Prize Win

Jaishankar took to social media to extend his applause to ISRO on the achievement….reports Asian Lite News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for bagging the prestigious Leif Erikson Lunar Prize.

Jaishankar took to social media to extend his applause to ISRO on the achievement.

“Congratulations @isro for the 2023 Leif Erikson Lunar Prize. Chandrayaan brings more laurels to the nation,” posted Jaishankar on X.

Notably, in a momentous recognition of India’s space prowess, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been feted with the prestigious Leif Erikson Lunar Prize by the Husavik Museum in Iceland.

The award acknowledges ISRO’s unwavering dedication and indomitable spirit in propelling lunar exploration forward and contributing significantly to unravelling celestial mysteries, particularly through the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission.

“Leif Erikson Lunar Prize has been awarded by Husavik Museum for @ISRO’s indomitable spirit in advancing lunar exploration & contributing to understanding celestial mysteries #Chandrayaan3,” the Indian Embassy in Iceland posted on X.

Indian Ambassador Balasubramanian Shyam received the prestigious prize on behalf of ISRO.”ISRO Chairman Mr S Somanath sent a message; Amb Mr Shyam received the prize on ISRO’s behalf,” the embassy’s post added.

Indian Ambassador Balasubramanian Shyam received the prestigious Leif Erikson Lunar Prize on behalf of ISRO. “ISRO Chairman Mr S.Somanath sent a message; Amb Mr Shyam received the prize on ISRO’s behalf,” the embassy’s post added.

The triumph of Chandrayaan-3 marked a historic milestone on August 23 when the lander module successfully touched down on the moon’s South Pole. India became the fourth nation, following the United States, China, and Russia, to achieve a successful lunar landing. The mission not only showcased technological prowess but also signalled redemption after the disappointment of the Chandrayaan-2 crash landing four years earlier.

Post-landing, the Vikram lander and the Pragyan rover conducted various tasks on the lunar surface, including detecting the presence of sulfur and other elements, recording relative temperature, and monitoring lunar activities. The success of Chandrayaan-3 further solidified India’s standing in lunar exploration.

Following the lunar triumph, India swiftly moved ahead with its maiden solar mission, Aditya-L1, launched on September 2. The spacecraft has successfully undergone multiple maneuvers, including four earth-bound maneuvers and a crucial Trans-Lagrangean Point 1 Insertion (TL1I) maneuver, enabling it to escape Earth’s sphere of influence.

In the most recent development, the Propulsion Module (PM) of Chandrayaan-3 achieved another feat by transitioning from lunar orbit to Earth’s orbit.

The Indian Space Research Organisation shared the achievement on X, stating, “Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Ch-3’s Propulsion Module (PM) takes a successful detour! In another unique experiment, the PM is brought from Lunar orbit to Earth’s orbit. An orbit-raising manoeuvre and a Trans-Earth injection manoeuvre placed PM in an Earth-bound orbit.” (ANI)

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ISRO celebrates diamond jubilee of first sounding rocket launch

In 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi designated August 23rd, the day of Chandrayaan-3’s lunar landing, as ‘National Space Day,’ marking it as a historic event in India’s space exploration….reports Asian Lite News

The Diamond Jubilee of India’s first sounding rocket launch from Thumba in Kerala coincides with the year 2023 which saw the historic twin feats of Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1 missions, said Union Minister of State for Space Jitendra Singh.

The year 2023 will also go down in history as the year when Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the 23rd of August, the day Chandrayaan-3 landed on the Moon, as ‘National Space Day’, he said.

Jitendra Singh, who is also the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology was addressing the Commemoration of the 60th year of the First Sounding Rocket Launch at a function at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launch Station (TERLS) on Saturday.

On the occasion, Jitendra Singh witnessed the ceremonial launch of a similar Sounding Rocket undertaken from the Space pod where the original launch took place on November 21, 1963. In a symbolic gesture, the countdown was announced by Pramod P Kale, who read out the countdown way back on the first launch 60 years ago.

Later, addressing the media, Jitendra Singh said, the success of Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1 missions reiterates India’s indigenous capabilities and vindicates the dream that Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the first Chairman of ISRO and the founding father of India’s Space Programme, saw six decades ago.

“It is also a vindication of the dream of Vikram Sarabhai, who might have been short of resources, but not short of confidence because he had faith in himself and in India’s inherent potential and inherent acumen,” said Singh.

Building on the success of Indian Space initiatives which got a boost in the last 4 to 5 years, including the recent Chandrayan-3 and Aditya L1 Missions, Singh said, PM Modi has asked ISRO to aim for India’s first manned Space Mission ‘Gaganyaan’ by 2025, lunar sample return mission, ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ (Indian Space Station) by 2035 and the first Indian to set foot on the Moon by 2040.

Stating that India’s Space programme is now at an equal pace with the world’s leading Space agencies, Jitendra Singh said that NASA might have been the first to land on the moon, but it was India’s Chandrayaan-1 that discovered water molecules on the Moon and now Chandrayaan-3 has for the first time landed on the South Pole of the moon. (ANI)

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ISRO Aces Crucial Test For Human Space Mission

After twists & turns, the Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO, successfully flight tests crew escape system, module for human space mission, reports Venkatachari Jagannathan

After some twists and turns and suspense, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday successfully flight tested the crew escape system, crew module that would carry the country’s astronauts sometime in 2025.

The mission was called Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1).

Announcing the mission’s success ISRO Chairman S.Somanath said: “The TV-D1 mission was to demonstrate the crew escape system for Gaganyaan (the name for Indian human space mission).”

He said the parachutes opened and the crew module touch down on the Bay of Bengal at the required velocity.

The crew module will be recovered from the sea by the Indian Navy ship and brought to the Chennai Port.

The space agency will then study the data.

On the twists and turns, Somanath said owing to the weather and poor visibility conditions the launch which was originally slated at 8 a.m. was postponed to 8.45 a.m. And just five seconds before the lift off from the first launch pad, the computer systems held back the rocket due to a non-conformance in the system.

He said the issue was identified and sorted out quickly.

The rocket had to be filled with gases and then the mission happened.

Measuring about 35 tall and weighing about 44 tonnes, the test vehicle/rocket uses a modified Vikas engine which is powered by liquid fuel.

The ISRO had modified the L40 booster Vikas engine used to power the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) formerly called GSLV-Mk2.

The crew module and crew escape system are mounted at the fore end of the rocket.

Five seconds to lift off and while one was able to see some fire and some smoke from the rocket’s tail, the full fledged ignition did not happen and the automatic launch sequence was put on hold.

This in turn brought the memories of the first flight of GSLV-D1 way back in March 2001. Then, the rocket was held back just one second before it was to lift off carrying communication satellite GSAT-1.

Even then some initial ignition was noticed but soon it stopped.

The rocket was subsequently launched on April 18, 2001 Be that as it may, with the lift off on hold, Somanath had announced postponement of the TV-D1 launch to a future date.

However the ISRO team quickly checked and sorted out the reason for the launch put on hold. The test rocket finally lifted off from the first launch pad here at 10 a.m. and the whole mission got completed in about nine minutes.

“It was a big training for the Gaganyaan mission,” Somanath said.

The entire flight sequence — from the test rocket’s lift off to the crew module touchdown at the sea with the deployment of parachutes – took about nine minutes.

According to ISRO, the mass of the crew module is 4,520 kg and is a single walled unpressurised aluminium structure.

At about 61 seconds into the flight and at an altitude of 11.9 km, the test vehicle/rocket and the crew escape system got separated. Soon after that the crew module and crew escape system got separated.

Subsequently, the abort sequence was executed autonomously commencing with the separation of crew escape system and deployment of the series of parachutes, finally culminating in the safe touchdown of the crew module in the sea, about 10 km from the coast of Sriharikota.

The crew module will house the astronauts in a pressurised earthlike atmospheric condition during the real human space mission.

Currently the crew module for the Gaganyaan mission is in different stages of development.

The TV-D1 is an unpressurised version but has an overall size and mass of actual Gaganyaan crew module and would house all the systems for the deceleration and recovery.

The avionics systems in the crew module are in a dual redundant mode configuration for navigation, sequencing, telemetry, instrumentation and power.

According to ISRO, the crew module in this mission is extensively instrumented to capture the flight data for evaluation of the performance of various systems.

The deceleration of the crew module was done with parachutes with pyro systems when it was at about an altitude of 17 km.

The crew module finally splashed down on Bay of Bengal at about 10 km from the launch pad at Sriharikota.

This Test Vehicle mission with this crew module is a significant milestone for the overall Gaganyaan programme as a near-complete system is integrated for a flight test.

The success of this test flight has set the stage for the remaining qualification tests and unmanned missions, leading to the first Gaganyaan mission with Indian astronauts.

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ISRO fights over 100 cyber-attacks every day, says Somanath

The ISRO chief further said that apart from the software, ISRO is also going ahead with various tests focusing on the safety of the hardware chips inside the rockets…reports Asian Lite News

S Somanath, the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday said that the country’s space agency is facing more than 100 cyber-attacks daily.

Somanath, while speaking on the concluding session of the 16th edition of the c0c0n, a two-day international cyber conference in Kerala’s Kochi, further said that the possibility of cyber-attacks is much higher in rocket technology which uses ultra-modern software and chip-based hardware.

“The organisation is equipped with a robust cybersecurity network to face such attacks,” he said.

Notably, the conference was organised by the Kerala Police and Information Security Research Association here.

The ISRO chief further said that apart from the software, ISRO is also going ahead with various tests focusing on the safety of the hardware chips inside the rockets.

“Earlier, the way of monitoring one satellite has changed to a way of software monitoring many satellites at a time. This indicates the growth of this sector. During COVID, it was possible to launch from a remote location which shows the triumph of technology,” he added.

He further said that there are different types of satellites that branch out for navigation, maintenance, etc.

“And apart from these, satellites which help the daily life of common people are also present. All these are controlled by different types of software. Cyber security is very important to protect all of these,’ Somanath added.

He said advanced technology is a boon and a threat at the same time.

“We can face the challenges posed by cyber criminals using technology like artificial intelligence with the same technology. There should be research and hard work towards this end,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kerala Revenue Minister P Rajeev, who inaugurated the concluding session of the conference said that the state is a role model for cyber security governance as the state government is capable of providing adequate security to the cyber arena.

“The state government is capable of providing adequate security to the cyber arena. The government is also providing necessary support to this sector by establishing the Digital University in the state. Kerala is a state where the internet is ensured through K-Fone in every house,” the minister said.

He further said that the c0c0n is a role model for the Indian cyber security sector, which is making the necessary innovations for cyber security.

“C0c0n is capable of creating cyber security experts among the next generation,” P Rajeev added.

Hibi Eden MP presided over the function in which Mayor M Anilkumar was the chief guest. Actor Mamta Mohandas, Intelligence ADGP Manoj Abraham IPS and ISRA president Manu Zacharia also addressed the event. (ANI)

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ISRO’s Crucial Test Nears for Human Spaceflight

Preparations for the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1), which demonstrates the performance of the Crew Escape System, are underway

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for the first Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1) to demonstrate the crew escape system as part of its human space mission called Gaganyaan.

According to the space agency, it will commence unmanned flight tests for the Gaganyaan mission.

“Preparations for the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1), which demonstrates the performance of the Crew Escape System, are underway,” ISRO said.

The first development flight Test Vehicle (TV-D1) is in the final stages of preparation.

The Test Vehicle is a single-stage liquid rocket developed for this abort mission.

“The payloads consist of the Crew Module (CM) and Crew Escape Systems (CES) with their fast-acting solid motors, along with CM fairing (CMF) and Interface Adapters,” ISRO said.

This flight will simulate the abort condition during the ascent trajectory corresponding to a Mach number of 1.2 encountered in the Gaganyaan mission.

ISRO said the Crew Escape System with Crew Module will be separated from the Test Vehicle at an altitude of about 17 km.

“Subsequently, the abort sequence will be executed autonomously commencing with the separation of CES (Crew Escape System) and deployment of the series of parachutes, finally culminating in the safe touchdown of CM (Crew Module) in the sea, about 10 km from the coast of Sriharikota,” ISRO said.

The Crew Module will house the astronauts in a pressurised earthlike atmospheric condition during the Gaganyaan mission.

It is in different stages of development.

For the TV-D1, the Crew Module is an unpressurised version that has completed its integration and testing and is ready to be shipped to the launch complex.

This unpressurised Crew Module version has to have an overall size and mass of actual Gaganyaan Crew Module and would house all the systems for the deceleration and recovery.

With its complete set of parachutes, recovery aids, actuation systems and pyros.

The avionics systems in Crew Module are in a dual redundant mode configuration for navigation, sequencing, telemetry, instrumentation and power.

According to ISRO, the Crew Module in this mission is extensively instrumented to capture the flight data for evaluation of the performance of various systems.

It will be recovered after touchdown in the Bay of Bengal, using a dedicated vessel and diving team from the Indian Navy.

The space agency said the Crew Module after integration underwent various electrical testing, at ISRO’s facility in Bengaluru, including an acoustic test and was dispatched to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on August 13.

At Sriharikota, it will undergo vibration tests and pre-integration with the Crew Escape System, before final integration to the Test Vehicle at the Launch Pad.

This Test Vehicle mission with this Crew Module is a significant milestone for the overall Gaganyaan programme as a near-complete system is integrated for a flight test.

The success of this test flight will set the stage for the remaining qualification tests and unmanned missions, leading to the first Gaganyaan mission with Indian astronauts, ISRO said.

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‘India Needs ‘Musks’ In Space Sector’

Somnath called for industry leaders in the space sector, akin to Elon Musk, to invest in India…reports Asian Lite News

Exhorting greater private sector participation in the Indian space sector, ISRO chief S. Somnath on Wednesday said that’ just like Elon Musk in US more industry people should come and invest in it here’.

Addressing AIMA’s annual convention in the national capital, Somnath said, “We want to see more industry people in the space sector. Just like Elon Musk is there in the US, we need somebody like him to invest here. Though it’s not an easy sector and is an unforgiving domain. It requires personal passion… Failures will be there. So my advice will be to start in the applications segment, like ground equipment manufacturing.”

“Our aim is to see greater manufacturing of space equipment in India. Though several equipment are made in the country, it is the electronics domain where challenges remain, like in sourcing components for building rockets like ceramics and integrated chips. For this we need more industry support,” he noted further.

War provides thrust to India’s space sector, opens up new opportunities

Somnath informed that unlike earlier times, when space research was mainly dependent on government support, now the private sector is gradually increasing its footprint in the space sector.

“Now private companies can build and launch satellites on their own, even outside ISRO. It’s a great opportunity,” he said.

The ISRO chief further informed that through public private partnership and other modes of collaboration with the private sector, their participation is being facilitated in the space sector.

Cost effectiveness in rocket designing is being worked out so that private entities can come and design rockets, Somnath informed.

“Currently there are 53 satellites, but at least 500 are needed if we want to be globally competitive in the space sector. Before the Chandrayaan-3 mission’s launch, NASA scientists reviewed our components and were surprised by their cost effectiveness. They showed keenness in purchasing from us. Sourcing components is a major challenge for India. Work is going on to ease restrictions and make American components available to Indian companies,” he said.

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