News Highlight
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully tested the indigenously developed cryogenic engine that will power its heaviest rocket, the LVM-3.
Key Takeaway
- The Launch Vehicle Mark-III took the hot test at an uprated thrust level of 21.8 tonnes for the first time.
- This will enhance the Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3) payload capability up to 450 kg with additional propellant loading.
- The CE20 cryogenic engine tested on Wednesday has gone through major modifications compared to previous engines, with Thrust Control Valve (TCV) for thrust control being introduced in the system.
- ISRO said that in addition to it, 3D-printed LOX and LH2 turbine exhaust casings were inducted into the engine for the first time.
Cryogenic Technology
- What?
- Cryogenics is the study of the production and behaviour of materials at extremely low temperatures (below -150 degree centigrade) to lift and place heavier objects in space.
- Features
- The cryogenic engine uses Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) as propellants.
Cryogenic Technology important for India
- Clean technology
- Cryogenic technology uses Hydrogen and oxygen as fuel and releases water as a by-product.
- This is one of its most outstanding achievements as no pollution is caused by its use.
- Economical
- High energy per unit mass is released, which makes it Economical.
- Missile Programme for the Defense
- Cryogenic technology is useful for the development of futuristic rocket engines.
- Advancement of the Space Programme
- Cryogenic Technology is crucial for the advancement of the Space Programme.
- ISRO uses the cryogenic Engine for its GSLV Programme.
- Edge over other countries
- Only the US, Japan, France, Russia and China had this technology. Now, India stands neck to neck with them.
- Other uses
- Cryotechnology can be used in blood banks, food storage etc.
Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3)
- About
- The Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3) is ISRO’s newest medium-heavy lift launch vehicle, India’s heaviest rocket currently in use.
- Formerly called the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III), the rocket is mainly designed to launch satellites into geostationary orbit at 35,000km.
- Features
- The LVM3 can lift much heavier satellites than the GSLV Mk II with a bigger cryogenic upper stage and a larger first stage.
- GSLV Mk II and LVM3 are three-stage vehicles, while the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which launches to low earth polar orbits, is a four-stage vehicle.
- The GSLV Mk-II can place up to 2,500kg in geosynchronous orbits and up to 5,000kg to low earth orbits. By comparison, the LVM3 can lift 4,000kg to GTO and up to 8,000 kg to LEO.
- Currently, America’s SpaceX’s non-human rated Falcon Heavy, a super-heavy lift vehicle, is the heaviest rocket that is operational.
- The LVM3 also has the human-rated variant, which will be used for Gaganyaan missions.
Content Source: India Today