Former ISRO Chief Pitches On Human Space Flight Mission:- The International Space Research Organization (ISRO) former Chief G Madhavan Nair said, with the successful launch of its heaviest rocket, the space agency now needs to focus on human space flight mission, further development of semi-cryogenic engine and recoverable and reusable launch system.

Nair reported a leading news channel saying, “The couple of launches of GSLV Mark III have to be done so that we prove our reliability, and simultaneously begin the programme for our manned mission (human space flight) and then of course the semi-cryogenic project.

Nair said, “Semi-cryogenic is very important, if you want to have an eco-friendly rocket, more efficient rocket system for the future.” He further said that, “The semi-cryogenic engine should become a replacement for some of the boosters in the days to come.”

In the recent years, for the human space flight mission, the space agency has been working on some critical technologies, ssaid the ISRO officials. Envisaging the design and development of a semi-cryogenic engine of 2,000 kN capacity, the semi-cryogenic project will be used as a future heavy-lift launch vehicle.

In the engine, a combination of propellant-grade kerosene and liquid oxygen which are eco-friendly and cost- effective propellants are used. Work has been carried out on the preliminary details of the overall stage configuration and stage engineering of semi-cryo stage with 200 tonne propellant loading.

“The ultimate goal of having a recoverable and reusable launch system, that we cannot forget, we should be working towards that,” said Nair.

“The GSLV Mark III is a cost-effective vehicle, that is capable of launching four tonne class satellites.” “Four tonne is really the class of payload which meets the most of the communication satellite requirements,” said Nair.

“For independent launch of a communication satellite, this GSLV Mk III seems to be the only vehicle available in the global market; whereas Ariane rocket of European space consortium Arianespace is a very large vehicle, you require two passengers to go together.”

“Individuals can make use of this GSLV-Mk III, if they want to have an independent launch.”

Nair termed the successful launch of GSLV-Mk III-D1 yesterday as “really a proud moment for ISRO.” “It should become a turning point so that we take off further to the great future. I will say in the last five years, this is the most significant milestone (for ISRO),” he said.

India marked a history with the successful launch of its heaviest rocket GSLV MKIII-D1 carrying communication satellite GSAT-19.

SUPRAJA