A key
engine component of India's monster rocket GSLV Mk.III was recently
sent to the launching pad for final integration with other
components. This component called as ' L110 re-startable liquid
stage' is actually the second stage rocket motor that uses 110 tonnes
of liquid propellants. GSLV Mk. III is by far, India's most powerful
launch rocket that is being readied for its maiden experimental
launch. About this giant rocket, ISRO web site claims:
“ GSLV
Mk III is conceived and designed to make ISRO fully self reliant in
launching heavier communication satellites of INSAT-4 class, which
weigh 4500 to 5000 kg. It would also enhance the capability of the
country to be a competitive player in the multimillion dollar
commercial launch market. The vehicle envisages multi-mission launch
capability for GTO, LEO, Polar and intermediate circular orbits.
GSLV-Mk
III is designed to be a three stage vehicle, with 42.4 m tall with a
lift off weight of 630 tonnes. First stage comprises two identical
S200 Large Solid Booster (LSB) with 200 tonne solid propellant, that
are strapped on to the second stage, the L110 re-startable liquid
stage. The third stage is the C25 LOX/LH2 cryo stage. The large
payload fairing measures 5 m in diameter and can accommodate a
payload volume of 100 cu m. ”
GSLV
Mk. III would also make it possible for India to send human
astronauts to space under its Human Space Flight (HSF) programme.
With that aim in mind, the present experimental flight to take place
in June or July 2014, is planned in such a way that it shall carry a
crew capsule weighing 3.5 tonnes, without astronauts. The capsule
will return to earth with the help of parachutes. Obviously, the crew
capsule will carry no astronauts, as it was only a replica of the
crew module that would be put into orbit in a real mission in future.
We can therefore call the first experimental flight of GSLV Mk. III
as a forerunner to India sending its astronauts to space.
GSLV-Mk
III is the “muscular sibling” of GSLV-Mk II, that employes an
indigenous cryogenic engine. This was recently launched successfully.
GSLV-Mk III is capable of putting communication satellite weighing
four tonnes into geo-synchronous transfer orbit or a 10-tonne
satellite into low-earth orbit.
The
second stage rocket motor for GSLV Mk.III known as L110 re-startable
liquid stage, was fabricated at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre,
Mahendragiri, near Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu state (now being called as
Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) Propulsion Complex after a
recent administrative change) and was sent to launching site from
here by road. The Mahendragiri centre has been instrumental in
assembling and testing as many as 125 engines made by Isro so far.
The indigenously developed cryogenic engine that had functioned well
in recent launch was assembled, integrated and tested at this
facility.
The
first stage solid fuel boosters, each weighing more than 200 tonnes,
are being readied near the launching site of Sriharikota on India's
east coast, itself. The second stage would be married off with first
stage boosters at the launch site itself. Since this is an an
experimental mission, the rocket will only do a sub-orbital flight
and reach an altitude of only less than 100 km. Its upper cryogenic
stage will not fire as being a passive flight, instead of cryogenic
propellants, the cryogenic stage would carry liquid nitrogen, which
would be inert.
Realisation
of GSLV Mk-III is very crucial and important for ISRO because success
here would establish ISRO as a major player in this field capable of
putting put heavier satellites into orbit.
31st
March 2014
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