Unfolding Indian Space Saga

Yet again another proud moment etched the chronicles of Indian Space Technology with the successful launch of the GSAT-7 satellite  with the paid up launch service of  European Space Consortium's Ariane Space’s Ariane 5 ECA rocket from Kourou Space Port, French Guiana on 30^th August. Ariane-5 ECA (cryogenic evolution type A), has an improved Ariane 5 generic launcher, capable of carrying a pay load of up to 9.6 tonnes. Some major changes have been brought in the architecture to carry heavier loads into GTO (Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit). Hence it could launch EUTELSAT25B/E and GSAT-7 together. It had launched INSAT-3D satellite on July 25^th intended for meteorological observation and monitoring land/ocean surfaces.

 GSAT-7 or Rukmini has the unique distinction of being the first Indian satellite exclusively dedicated for military purpose and especially, Indian Navy is set to receive greater boost through this launch. GSAT-7 is a multi-band communication satellite developed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is the sixth satellite from the pack of seven INSAT-4 series communication satellites planned to be launched and this satellite will carry payloads in UHF (Ultra High Frequency), S band, C band and Ku band with appropriate antennae.

GSAT-7 is the most advanced communication satellite to provide wide range of service spectrum from low bit rate voice to high bit rate data communication. It is designed to modernize the communication among the naval ships, endowing it with better satellite communication and intelligence survey. This would help to have a complete surveillance over 2000 nautical miles of the Indian Ocean Region. This will enable communication between the naval ships through highly encrypted coding system and help in identifying the enemy ships and submarines. Conversely each of the ships in the naval fleet would have a comprehensive digital map to locate the ships and communication between naval ships will be through this satellite. Similarly the Indian Army will get vital inputs about stealthy movements over the land too. Tracking the movements of the enemy across our belligerent borders will enhance our ability for a swift  response. It has greater potential of integrating the warships, submarines and aircrafts through a highly encrypted data network. Previously, maritime communication for defence was  provided by leasing required transponders of Inmarsat (International Maritime Satellite Organisation, a British satellite telecommunication company) satellite. With this launch India has joined the club of the top five countries USA, Britain, Russia, China and France which have  satellites customized for defence communications.

While India has attained the great distinction of having an exclusive satellite for military purpose, it is plagued by its inability to launch a big communication satellites weighing more than 2.5 tons  to place in GTO (Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit) on its own. To overcome this limitation and to get hands-on experience on cryogenic stages/engines ISRO procured cryogenic stages from Russia and had successfully developed the necessary infrastructure and a new vehicle GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) - MkI to place 2 to 2.5 ton satellites in GTO. GSLV-MKI had three consecutive successful launches since debut in 2001. Meanwhile, India has developed and satisfactorily qualified its own cryogenic engine after the successful tests in 2007. It is on the verge of  launching a communication satellite of 2.5 ton class using indigenous cryogenic engine (ICE) as the final stage of GSLV - MkII in the next few months. At least two successful launches have to be carried out before it is declared operational. That would be a major milestone in the saga of ISRO enroute to the development and operationalizing GSLV -MkIII (with enhanced capacity of each rocket stage) to place 4.5 to 5 tons class of heavier communication satellites of INSAT-4 series. Only then would India be fully self-reliant and also be competitive player in the multimillion dollar international launch market.

All this was possible due to the consistent progress ISRO had made in developing various launch vehicles from the initial SLV (Satellite Launch Vehicle) which was first developed in late 1970’s, to through ASLV (Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle), a five stage engine with solid and liquid fuels that could carry a pay load of 150 kg in late 1980’s to the reliable work horse PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) in early 1990s . However, the ASLV development plans were aborted soon as ISRO made a mid-course correction to move over directly to develop the next genre of launch vehicle PSLV which is capable of launching 1600 kg satellites in 620 km sun-synchronous polar orbit or  1050 kg satellite in GTO. Such a switch over and prioritization would help ISRO to cut down the time line to catch up with the advanced space faring nations and avoid wasteful expenditure since by then ISRO learnt the technologies required for transition to bigger launch vehicles and there was no commercial market for ASLV.  PSLV has four stages that use solid and liquid propulsion systems alternatively. India has so far successfully launched 58 (23 Indian and 35 foreign) satellites with PSLV so far. The phenomenal success of PSLV gave the correct inputs, bench marks and the confidence to go ahead to build bigger vehicles like GSLV. The final/third stage of GSLV is the cryogenic stage, which is more efficient compared to the liquid stage in PSLV. Thus it is inevitable for India to master the cryogenic technology (which took US, Russia and France a couple of decades) to remain in the business of global satellite launching.

Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicles (GSLV) are needed to launch INSAT-4 series of geosynchronous satellites. India has initiated GSLV project in 1990. India has signed a contract with Russia to supply 7 cryogenic engines of 7.5 tons thrust  along with the transfer of cryogenic technology.  However, GSLV development is beset with both technological and operational problems. In 1993, the US severely objected  Russia selling cryogenic technology to India as this would be a violation under the Missile technology Control regime (MTCR). MTCR is an informal agreement and voluntary partnership between 34 members. The regime was formed by the G-7 industrial nations-US, UK, France, Canada, Italy, Germany and Japan with an objective of limiting the proliferation of the missiles and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology capable of carrying 500kg payload at least 300km. It has 34 members which includes Russia.  As per MTCR guidelines, members established a “no undercut” policy means if a member denies sale of technology to another country, then the policy has to be strictly adhered by all other members. Thus now 117 nations enforce restrictions on exports to control the proliferation of UAV’s.

India has so far carried out 7 launches (6 with Russian engines and one Indian) and  three have failed. GSLV D1 (Developmental Flight 1) had its first flight in 2001 carrying the GSAT-1 satellite which was claimed as partial success by ISRO.  It was followed by successful launch of GSAT-2 followed by GSAT-3 or EduSat by GSLV D2 and GSLV F01 respectively. Owing to this launch, GSLV was declared operational. GSLV F02 failed to put INSAT-4C into orbit GSLVF-04  carrying INSAT-4CR was a partial success as the satellite was rescued by boosters and put into the orbit. Again GSLV D3 and D4 failed to launch GSAT-4 and GSAT-5p. The failure was attributed to fault Russian-built connecters in the interstage adapters. But Russian’s refused to accept this investigation and there was a disagreement between the two camps. Thus the design and development of the launch vehicle GSLV MkI came to grinding halt. Following the poor success rate of GSLV, it has become least reliable.

After GSLV D4 failure, ISRO tried to rectify the defects and designed GSLVD5. Initial tests were carried out at High Altitude ignition meaning by simulating vacuum like conditions to ensure a successful launch. GSLV MkII-D5 the rocket containing the indigenous cryogenic  stage, carrying the communication satellite was scheduled to be launched on Aug 19^th. But during the pre-launch pressurisation phase a leak was observed in the UH25 fuel system of the liquid second stage. Hence, about two hours before its lift off, launch was called off and the vehicle was secured. Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) is the most efficient with the highest specific impulse and so, a crucial stage that propels the rocket in vacuum conditions. It is powered by liquid hydrogen propellant and liquid oxygen as oxidiser mixed in right proportions to gives the thrust for satellite lift off.  The indigenous cryogenic stage used can create a thrust of around 7.5 tonnes and hence is more efficient in carrying larger payloads. ISRO perplexed with the shortcomings of the GSLV D5 (MkII) is going back to drawing board and gearing up for the next launches.

Till now ISRO has been single-handedly involved in developing cryogenic stages since every other country who has this technology closely guards it because of its sophisticated and complicated nature. The complexity could be understood if one realises that  for hydrogen to be in a full liquid state without evaporating at atmospheric pressure, it needs to be cooled to 20.28 K (−423.17°F/−252.87°C). One common method of obtaining liquid hydrogen involves a compressor resembling a jet engine in both appearance and principle. Liquid hydrogen is typically used in concentrated form. As in any gas, storing it as liquid takes less space than storing it as a gas at normal temperature and pressure. However, the liquid density is very low compared to other common fuels. Once liquefied, it can be maintained as a liquid in pressurized and thermally insulated containers.  Liquid oxygen has a density of 1.141 g/cm³ (1.141 kg/L) and is cryogenic with a freezing point of 50.5 K (−368.77  °F, −222.65 °C) and a boiling point of 90.19 K (−297.33 °F, −182.96 °C) at 101.325 kPa (760 mmHg). Liquid oxygen has an expansion ratio of 1:861 under 1 standard atmosphere (100 KPa) and 20 °C (68 °F). Because of its cryogenic nature, both liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen can cause the materials it touches to become extremely brittle. Apart from all this, it is extremely dangerous if anything goes wrong due to the explosive nature of these propellants. The magnitude of the extreme complexity can't be understood by a non-technical person. And the giant leap from GSLV MkII to GSLV MKIII can be understood form the configuration of GSLV MKIII which has two identical S200 Large Solid Booster (LSB) with 200 tonne solid propellant that are strapped as first stage, the L110 re-startable liquid stage as the second stage and the third stage is the C25 LOX/LH2 cryo stage of 25 tonne thrust. This is a phenomenal improvement vis-a-vis PSLV and earlier versions of GSLVs.

Recently it has announced its interest in investing RS 139 crores setting up a unit in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for fabrication and manufacturing of cryogenic  stages. There is urgent need for such alternative facility as ISRO is planning to build cryogenic stages as originally planned or  semi-cryogenic engines and test the new variant GSLV MKIII with higher ton thrust as soon as possible. With space science expanding its horizons it has emerged into a global market of worth 180 billion dollars. At this stage India can hardly afford to lay back.

The triumph of future space programs and launches lies in the success of the planned GSLV progression. Ambitious projects like Chandrayaan-2 and a manned vehicle into orbit are programmed through the GSLV launch vehicles. Currently, India is forced to outsource launching of heavier satellites services to a foreign country which is cost ineffective. It is inevitable for India to develop a potential GSLV launcher to become self-reliant and to play a lead role in telecommunications and satellite launching.

 

 

Yet again another proud moment etched the chronicles of Indian Space Technology with the successful launch of the GSAT-7 satellite  with the paid up launch service of  European Space Consortium's Ariane Space’s Ariane 5 ECA rocket from Kourou Space Port, French Guiana on 30^th August. Ariane-5 ECA (cryogenic evolution type A), has an improved Ariane 5 generic launcher, capable of carrying a pay load of up to 9.6 tonnes. Some major changes have been brought in the architecture to carry heavier loads into GTO (Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit). Hence it could launch EUTELSAT25B/E and GSAT-7 together. It had launched INSAT-3D satellite on July 25^th intended for meteorological observation and monitoring land/ocean surfaces.

 GSAT-7 or Rukmini has the unique distinction of being the first Indian satellite exclusively dedicated for military purpose and especially, Indian Navy is set to receive greater boost through this launch. GSAT-7 is a multi-band communication satellite developed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is the sixth satellite from the pack of seven INSAT-4 series communication satellites planned to be launched and this satellite will carry payloads in UHF (Ultra High Frequency), S band, C band and Ku band with appropriate antennae.

GSAT-7 is the most advanced communication satellite to provide wide range of service spectrum from low bit rate voice to high bit rate data communication. It is designed to modernize the communication among the naval ships, endowing it with better satellite communication and intelligence survey. This would help to have a complete surveillance over 2000 nautical miles of the Indian Ocean Region. This will enable communication between the naval ships through highly encrypted coding system and help in identifying the enemy ships and submarines. Conversely each of the ships in the naval fleet would have a comprehensive digital map to locate the ships and communication between naval ships will be through this satellite. Similarly the Indian Army will get vital inputs about stealthy movements over the land too. Tracking the movements of the enemy across our belligerent borders will enhance our ability for a swift  response. It has greater potential of integrating the warships, submarines and aircrafts through a highly encrypted data network. Previously, maritime communication for defence was  provided by leasing required transponders of Inmarsat (International Maritime Satellite Organisation, a British satellite telecommunication company) satellite. With this launch India has joined the club of the top five countries USA, Britain, Russia, China and France which have  satellites customized for defence communications.

While India has attained the great distinction of having an exclusive satellite for military purpose, it is plagued by its inability to launch a big communication satellites weighing more than 2.5 tons  to place in GTO (Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit) on its own. To overcome this limitation and to get hands-on experience on cryogenic stages/engines ISRO procured cryogenic stages from Russia and had successfully developed the necessary infrastructure and a new vehicle GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) - MkI to place 2 to 2.5 ton satellites in GTO. GSLV-MKI had three consecutive successful launches since debut in 2001. Meanwhile, India has developed and satisfactorily qualified its own cryogenic engine after the successful tests in 2007. It is on the verge of  launching a communication satellite of 2.5 ton class using indigenous cryogenic engine (ICE) as the final stage of GSLV - MkII in the next few months. At least two successful launches have to be carried out before it is declared operational. That would be a major milestone in the saga of ISRO enroute to the development and operationalizing GSLV -MkIII (with enhanced capacity of each rocket stage) to place 4.5 to 5 tons class of heavier communication satellites of INSAT-4 series. Only then would India be fully self-reliant and also be competitive player in the multimillion dollar international launch market.

All this was possible due to the consistent progress ISRO had made in developing various launch vehicles from the initial SLV (Satellite Launch Vehicle) which was first developed in late 1970’s, to through ASLV (Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle), a five stage engine with solid and liquid fuels that could carry a pay load of 150 kg in late 1980’s to the reliable work horse PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) in early 1990s . However, the ASLV development plans were aborted soon as ISRO made a mid-course correction to move over directly to develop the next genre of launch vehicle PSLV which is capable of launching 1600 kg satellites in 620 km sun-synchronous polar orbit or  1050 kg satellite in GTO. Such a switch over and prioritization would help ISRO to cut down the time line to catch up with the advanced space faring nations and avoid wasteful expenditure since by then ISRO learnt the technologies required for transition to bigger launch vehicles and there was no commercial market for ASLV.  PSLV has four stages that use solid and liquid propulsion systems alternatively. India has so far successfully launched 58 (23 Indian and 35 foreign) satellites with PSLV so far. The phenomenal success of PSLV gave the correct inputs, bench marks and the confidence to go ahead to build bigger vehicles like GSLV. The final/third stage of GSLV is the cryogenic stage, which is more efficient compared to the liquid stage in PSLV. Thus it is inevitable for India to master the cryogenic technology (which took US, Russia and France a couple of decades) to remain in the business of global satellite launching.

Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicles (GSLV) are needed to launch INSAT-4 series of geosynchronous satellites. India has initiated GSLV project in 1990. India has signed a contract with Russia to supply 7 cryogenic engines of 7.5 tons thrust  along with the transfer of cryogenic technology.  However, GSLV development is beset with both technological and operational problems. In 1993, the US severely objected  Russia selling cryogenic technology to India as this would be a violation under the Missile technology Control regime (MTCR). MTCR is an informal agreement and voluntary partnership between 34 members. The regime was formed by the G-7 industrial nations-US, UK, France, Canada, Italy, Germany and Japan with an objective of limiting the proliferation of the missiles and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology capable of carrying 500kg payload at least 300km. It has 34 members which includes Russia.  As per MTCR guidelines, members established a “no undercut” policy means if a member denies sale of technology to another country, then the policy has to be strictly adhered by all other members. Thus now 117 nations enforce restrictions on exports to control the proliferation of UAV’s.

India has so far carried out 7 launches (6 with Russian engines and one Indian) and  three have failed. GSLV D1 (Developmental Flight 1) had its first flight in 2001 carrying the GSAT-1 satellite which was claimed as partial success by ISRO.  It was followed by successful launch of GSAT-2 followed by GSAT-3 or EduSat by GSLV D2 and GSLV F01 respectively. Owing to this launch, GSLV was declared operational. GSLV F02 failed to put INSAT-4C into orbit GSLVF-04  carrying INSAT-4CR was a partial success as the satellite was rescued by boosters and put into the orbit. Again GSLV D3 and D4 failed to launch GSAT-4 and GSAT-5p. The failure was attributed to fault Russian-built connecters in the interstage adapters. But Russian’s refused to accept this investigation and there was a disagreement between the two camps. Thus the design and development of the launch vehicle GSLV MkI came to grinding halt. Following the poor success rate of GSLV, it has become least reliable.

After GSLV D4 failure, ISRO tried to rectify the defects and designed GSLVD5. Initial tests were carried out at High Altitude ignition meaning by simulating vacuum like conditions to ensure a successful launch. GSLV MkII-D5 the rocket containing the indigenous cryogenic  stage, carrying the communication satellite was scheduled to be launched on Aug 19^th. But during the pre-launch pressurisation phase a leak was observed in the UH25 fuel system of the liquid second stage. Hence, about two hours before its lift off, launch was called off and the vehicle was secured. Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) is the most efficient with the highest specific impulse and so, a crucial stage that propels the rocket in vacuum conditions. It is powered by liquid hydrogen propellant and liquid oxygen as oxidiser mixed in right proportions to gives the thrust for satellite lift off.  The indigenous cryogenic stage used can create a thrust of around 7.5 tonnes and hence is more efficient in carrying larger payloads. ISRO perplexed with the shortcomings of the GSLV D5 (MkII) is going back to drawing board and gearing up for the next launches.

Till now ISRO has been single-handedly involved in developing cryogenic stages since every other country who has this technology closely guards it because of its sophisticated and complicated nature. The complexity could be understood if one realises that  for hydrogen to be in a full liquid state without evaporating at atmospheric pressure, it needs to be cooled to 20.28 K (−423.17°F/−252.87°C). One common method of obtaining liquid hydrogen involves a compressor resembling a jet engine in both appearance and principle. Liquid hydrogen is typically used in concentrated form. As in any gas, storing it as liquid takes less space than storing it as a gas at normal temperature and pressure. However, the liquid density is very low compared to other common fuels. Once liquefied, it can be maintained as a liquid in pressurized and thermally insulated containers.  Liquid oxygen has a density of 1.141 g/cm³ (1.141 kg/L) and is cryogenic with a freezing point of 50.5 K (−368.77  °F, −222.65 °C) and a boiling point of 90.19 K (−297.33 °F, −182.96 °C) at 101.325 kPa (760 mmHg). Liquid oxygen has an expansion ratio of 1:861 under 1 standard atmosphere (100 KPa) and 20 °C (68 °F). Because of its cryogenic nature, both liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen can cause the materials it touches to become extremely brittle. Apart from all this, it is extremely dangerous if anything goes wrong due to the explosive nature of these propellants. The magnitude of the extreme complexity can't be understood by a non-technical person. And the giant leap from GSLV MkII to GSLV MKIII can be understood form the configuration of GSLV MKIII which has two identical S200 Large Solid Booster (LSB) with 200 tonne solid propellant that are strapped as first stage, the L110 re-startable liquid stage as the second stage and the third stage is the C25 LOX/LH2 cryo stage of 25 tonne thrust. This is a phenomenal improvement vis-a-vis PSLV and earlier versions of GSLVs.

Recently it has announced its interest in investing RS 139 crores setting up a unit in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for fabrication and manufacturing of cryogenic  stages. There is urgent need for such alternative facility as ISRO is planning to build cryogenic stages as originally planned or  semi-cryogenic engines and test the new variant GSLV MKIII with higher ton thrust as soon as possible. With space science expanding its horizons it has emerged into a global market of worth 180 billion dollars. At this stage India can hardly afford to lay back.

The triumph of future space programs and launches lies in the success of the planned GSLV progression. Ambitious projects like Chandrayaan-2 and a manned vehicle into orbit are programmed through the GSLV launch vehicles. Currently, India is forced to outsource launching of heavier satellites services to a foreign country which is cost ineffective. It is inevitable for India to develop a potential GSLV launcher to become self-reliant and to play a lead role in telecommunications and satellite launching.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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