The Hindu : National : Indigenous cryogenic engine to power next flight of GSLV

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Sep 27, 2004

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National

Indigenous cryogenic engine to power next flight of GSLV

By Our Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, SEPT. 26. An indigenously crafted cryogenic engine will power the next flight of the Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), scheduled for February or March next year, the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), G. Madhavan Nair, said here on Sunday.

The cryogenic engine, to be used for the third stage of the GSLV, has been tested for 6000 seconds of operation and is fully qualified. The launch would take place possibly from the new launch pad being built at Sriharikota, the chairman told a `Meet the press programme' organised by the Kesari Journalists' Trust here.

Rocket parts

Mr. Nair said the relaxation of import restrictions on rocket parts and other space technology items by the United States would help India get quality parts at cheaper rates. The country is importing about $200 millions worth of items from the U.S. and about $100 million worth of items from Europe. Now, the imports from the U. S. could go up by $100 millions.

He said that the ISRO's immediate projects included the launching of INSAT 4A and INSAT 4B satellites. The 3.7 tonne INSAT 4A would be launched shortly from Kourou in French Guiana. Other plans included launching of CARTOSAT in the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite series from Sriharikota. This satellite would be able to take stereoscopic pictures needed for mapping of the terrain. As the telemedicine project has been successful, launching of thematic satellite dedicated to medical purposes would also have to be considered.

Virtual classrooms

He said that the EDUSAT would become operational in four weeks. About 1000 terminal stations would be set up throughout India shortly to receive signals from the satellite in interactive mode. This would facilitate virtual classrooms that enable students to interact with the teachers. The number of terminals would be increased to 10,000 later. Mr. Nair said that the Rs. 350 crore Chandrayan project was not a costly one. The amount came to only 0.5 per cent of the ISRO's budget.

The technologically challenging project would enable the ISRO to do mapping of the lunar surface and undertake several scientific quests.

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