Gaganyaan Mission
At Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed the static test of a human-rated solid rocket booster (HS200) for the Gaganyaan programme.
According to the Bengaluru-based space agency, the HS200 is the human-rated version of the S200 rocket booster of the satellite launch vehicle GSLV Mk III, also known as LVM3.
KEY POINTS:
- The successful completion of this test is a crucial milestone for ISRO’s famous Gaganyaan human space flight programme, as the first stage of the launch vehicle is tested for its full duration performance.
- ISRO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Space, S Somanath, and Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), S Unnikrishnan Nair, as well as other ISRO scientists, were present at the ceremony.
- The HS200 booster was designed and developed by VSSC in Thiruvananthapuram, while the propellant casting was completed at SDSC in Sriharikota.
- The S200 motor, which is the first stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle, was designed as a strap-on rocket booster for launching a 4,000 kg class satellite to geosynchronous transfer orbit.
- The LVM3 has been selected as the launch vehicle for the Gaganyaan mission based on its successful launch history, which includes the Chandrayaan mission.
- It was said that the LVM3 launch vehicle was improved to meet the needs of human rating for the manned space mission.
Important Takeaways For All Competitive Exams:
- ISRO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Space: S Somanath
- Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC): S Unnikrishnan Nair