Latest news with #LVM3
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
India's 3rd launch pad In Sriharikota only by March 2029
Bengaluru: India's third satellite launch pad at the in Sriharikota is slated to be fully operational only by March 2029, according to the Department of Space. The ambitious project, seen as critical to the country's growing space programme, is progressing through key milestones following financial sanction earlier this year. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The new facility, referred to as Third Launch Pad (TLP), will serve as the primary site for launching India's upcoming Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) and act as a backup for existing heavy-lift vehicles such as LVM3, according to the Department of Space (DoS) The construction timeline includes completion of civil works by May 2028, installation of fluid systems and propellant storage by July 2028, and establishment of launch pad systems by Sept 2028, before full commissioning in March 2029. As per DoS, surveys and geotechnical studies were wrapped up by May this year, and tender evaluations for infrastructure works are currently underway. The project is being broken into multiple work packages, with an emphasis on partnering with Indian private players and MSMEs in line with Make in India and self-reliance goals. The need for a third pad has long been flagged by space officials, especially as Isro prepares for human spaceflight under Gaganyaan, continued Moon missions under the Chandrayaan programme, and future operations involving Indian astronauts. Former Isro chairman S Somanath had earlier told TOI that while the second launch pad has been retrofitted for LVM3 and Gaganyaan launches, the risk of a single-point failure remains. 'If something happens to the second pad, all heavy launches would grind to a halt,' he had said, batting for TLP. The first launch pad, originally built for the PSLV, is incompatible with cryogenic and semi-cryogenic engines used in newer rockets. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The upcoming NGLV, expected to stand 91 metres tall — more than double the height of LVM3 — will also require an entirely new infrastructure due to its significantly higher thrust, new propellant needs, and jet deflection characteristics. Rajarajan A, former director, Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) — the spaceport in Sriharikota — who took charge as director Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) on Aug 1, had earlier stressed on the importance of TLP in accommodating the size and complexity of future rockets. He had told TOI that while existing launch pads are being modified for near-term Gaganyaan missions, only a new pad can fully support India's next-gen space goals. Once operational, the TLP is expected to become the linchpin of India's deep space missions, including space station deployment and lunar landings.
India Today
3 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Isro targets 2029 to ready the third launch pad for India's next-gen rockets
India's space capabilities are set to receive a significant boost with the ongoing development of Isro's Third Satellite Launch Pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, development is moving smoothly as the government is awaiting bidding on tenders for multiple developmental works in and around the launch project received financial sanction in March 2025, marking a critical step towards expanding the country's launch infrastructure to support next-generation launch Following the sanction, Isro completed geotechnical investigations and topographic surveys of the site by May 2025. Currently, offers for essential road and electrical works are under evaluation, with multiple work packages identified to establish the sophisticated facilities required for the launch development timeline outlines four major milestones: completion of civil works by May 2028, installation of fluid systems and propellant storage by July 2028, establishment of launch pad facilities by September 2028, and commissioning of the facility projected for March to handle heavier payloads, the TLP will support Isro's Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) and the LVM3 vehicles with semi-cryogenic stages, enhancing India's capacity to launch payloads of up to 30,000 tonnes into low Earth orbit. This is a substantial increase compared to the current capabilities of existing launch the project emphasises collaboration with Indian private industry and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These partnerships, selected through a transparent tendering process, aim to maximise indigenous manufacturing and expertise, reinforcing the Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, provided these updates, stressing the strategic importance of the TLP for India's ambitious space new launch pad will not only enhance launch frequency and redundancy but is instrumental for upcoming human spaceflight missions and interplanetary exploration efforts, including the Bharatiya Antariksh Station planned for 2035 and a crewed lunar landing by 2040.- EndsMust Watch
The Hindu
02-08-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
First LVM3 launch vehicle equipped with semi-cryogenic stage slated to fly in 2027
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is aiming for a 2027 launch for its first LVM3 launch vehicle equipped with a semi-cryogenic propulsion stage. 'Right now we are on track. The power head tests (on the engine) are progressing with great success. Five to six tests have been completed. We have set the launch target for the first quarter of 2027,' ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan said during a visit to Thiruvananthapuram. Formerly known as the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk III (GSLV Mk III), the three-stage LVM3 had its first experimental flight in December, 2014. It is ISRO's most powerful rocket to date. The semi-cryogenic stage is designed to make it even more formidable, enhancing payload capability while keeping costs down, Mr. Narayanan said. Currently capable of lifting 4200 kg payloads to the geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO), the LVM3 will see significant changes when it is fitted with the semi-cryogenic stage. The L110 core stage, which uses liquid propellant, will be replaced by the semicryo stage which uses a propellant combination of refined kerosene and liquid oxygen (LOX). The propellant loading in the cryogenic upper stage, which uses a Liquid Hydrogen-LOX combination, will increase from 28 tonnes to 32 tonnes. 'The current payload capability of 4200 kg to GTO will increase to 5200 kg with this combination of semi-cryogenic stage and upgraded cryogenic propulsion in the upper stage. The cost of placing the satellite in orbit will come down by 25%,' Mr. Narayanan said. The development of the upper stage enhanced to carry 32 tonnes of cryogenic propellant has been completed. 'Very complex engine' ISRO's semi-cryogenic engine has been in the works for a long time now. Mr. Narayanan described it as a 'very complex engine' that uses special materials to withstand high temperatures and oxidiser-rich combustion. Whereas the liquid-fuelled Vikas engine used in the L110 stage gives a nominal thrust of 80 tonnes, the SE2000 semi-cryogenic engine being developed by ISRO is designed to supply 200 tonnes, he said. Once perfected, the semi-cryogenic engines will see use in ISRO's future launch vehicles as well. The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) of ISRO is tasked with developing the semi-cryogenic engine and the stage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had dedicated the Semi-cryogenic Integrated Engine and Stage Test Facility (SIET) at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) at Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, in February 2024.
India Today
27-06-2025
- Science
- India Today
Beyond sare jahan se achha: Shubhanshu Shukla ushers in India's new space age
Even in hindsight, it feels surreal. On Wednesday, an Indian was strapped into spacecraft atop a rocket and launched into space, with nine powerful rocket engines at the other end spitting fire, lifting him and his crewmates through the dense atmosphere of Earth on their journey to the International Space Station—orbiting our world at a distance of just over 400 Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the designated pilot of the mission, became only the second Indian to have ever been to space— over 40 years after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma breached Earth's gravity in 1984 aboard a Soyuz astronaut Shukla is also the first Indian to have docked with the International Space Station. The historic, technological, and operational significance of this mission cannot be understated. The Government of India and the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) have shown immense foresight in bringing this to reality through a strategic collaboration with NASA and the American private space-tech company Axiom Space. This partnership is symbolic of modern space exploration, where international cooperation and public-private partnerships are increasingly the for India's Human SpaceflightIndia has a long-term goal of achieving indigenous human spaceflight capabilities, as well as establishing an Indian space station in Earth's orbit. Isro is reconfiguring its most powerful launch vehicle, the LVM3, to meet the stringent human-rating requirements essential for the Gaganyaan Gaganyaan, the roadmap extends to the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), an Indian orbital outpost that will serve as a hub for research, technological development, and sustained human presence in crewed space missions are extraordinarily complex. They are not just technologically demanding, but operationally as well – from mission planning and astronaut training to life support systems management, and emergency response protocols; it demands extreme precision and redundancy. India needs to gather as much operational experience as it can before the planned Gaganyaan like Group Captain Shukla's are invaluable stepping stones on this journey. Collaborations with other national space agencies and private partners are critical during this Ax-4 crewmates made it safely aboard the @Space_Station today! It was a pleasure and an honor to monitor their approach and work the hatch opening.I also got a couple good photos as they caught up and approached from below the station!Welcome Peggy, Shux, Suave, and Nichole 'Vapor' Ayers (@Astro_Ayers) June 26, 2025For instance, after the careful selection of the four astronaut-designates – decorated Indian Air Force officers Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Ajit Krishnan, Angad Prathap, and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla – India leveraged its strong diplomatic ties with Russia to provide them with extensive training at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training included operating in zero-gravity conditions and survival training. They also underwent simulations in a centrifuge to expose them to the intense G-forces experienced during launch and re-entry, while hyperbaric chamber sessions prepared them for potential hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) and rapid pressure Captain Shukla and backup Group Captain Nair later flew to NASA's Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas, to undergo mission-specific training. This included familiarisation sessions with the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and various onboard systems of the International Space Station, as well as daily operational and communication are invaluable experiences the astronauts will bring to the table as India configures its crew module and prepares for the Gaganyaan Mission. The exposure and learnings from the US, home to the world's largest space-tech industry, will also inform India's own growing private space-tech cross-continental training regimen and mission expertise, spanning from Russia to the United States, is also a testament to India's unique international standing and approach to global this mission aboard a SpaceX rocket was realised through a partnership with Axiom Space, an organisation helmed by an Indian-origin CEO (Tejpaul Bhatia), adds another distinctly Indian connection to this Spark of Inspiration for Future GenerationsRakesh Sharma's historic flight in the 80s and his famous words, 'Sare Jahan Se Achha,' when asked by the then Prime Minister how India looked from space, are etched in the collective memory of the nation. It's a moment that has inspired many to become rocket scientists – including Captain Shukla's mission bridges the long intervening gap of over four decades, and represents India's strategic intent to become a self-reliant and leading player in near- and deep-space Shukla first Indian in International Space StationMoment of triumph for Group Captain 'Shux'#ISS #ShubhanshuShukla #ITVideo #Ax4 #Super6 | @Akshita_N @imsktripathi IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) June 26, 2025Even as it gathers immense data and learnings for Isro to iterate and improve its Gaganyaan Mission, having a man in space — one of our own — will spark a flame of renewed inspiration and ambition within India's an Indian astronaut amongst the stars once more will vividly demonstrate that audacious goals are achievable. India has lingered long enough on the shores of the cosmic ocean. We are now ready to set sail for the stars!(This is an authored article by Pawan Kumar Chandana. He is the Co-founder and CEO of Skyroot Aerospace)- EndsTune InMust Watch
Indian Express
25-06-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on radiation leak threat, LVM3, GSaaS and more (Week 116)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Science and Technology to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at QUESTION 1 With reference to the LVM3, consider the following statements: 1. It is a single-stage vehicle with one solid strap-on motor and one liquid core stage. 2. It is a heavy lift launch vehicle of ISRO which can only lift upto 500 kg spacecraft, with a launching capability to GTO (Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit) cost-effectively. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — ISRO's recent call to private enterprises to build India's heaviest rocket is a long-awaited move towards increasing private sector participation in the country's space effort. It would also help India get a foothold in the international space sector, which is quickly expanding due to rising demand for satellite launches. — LVM3 has three stages: two solid strap-on motors (S200), one liquid core stage (L110), and a high-thrust cryogenic upper stage (C25). Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — The S200 solid motor is one of the world's largest solid boosters, containing 204 tonnes of solid propellant. The liquid L110 stage employs a dual liquid engine configuration with 115 tonnes of liquid propellant, and the C25 Cryogenic upper stage employs the wholly indigenous high thrust cryogenic engine (CE20) with a fuel loading of 28 tonnes. — LVM3 is ISRO's latest heavy-lift launch vehicle, designed to send 4000 kg spacecraft to GTO (Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit) in a cost-effective manner. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. (Other Source: QUESTION 2 Consider the following statements about neutron stars: 1. They are superdense astrophysical objects formed at the beginning of a massive star's life in a supernova explosion. 2. They constantly gain energy by emitting gravitational waves until they eventually collide and merge. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Explanation — Neutron stars are superdense astrophysical objects formed at the end of a massive star's life in a supernova explosion. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — Sometimes, neutron stars orbit each other in binary systems. — These systems constantly lose energy by emitting gravitational waves until they eventually collide and merge. Hence, statement 2 is not correct. — Researchers may now examine the physical characteristics of the universe's most severe states because of these mergers. For instance, heavy metals like gold are formed under the circumstances of these high-energy collisions. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. QUESTION 3 Consider the following statements: 1. It rotates backwards, from east to west. 2. It is the largest of Pluto's five moons. 3. The moon's orbit around Pluto takes around 6.4 Earth days. 4. The same surfaces of this moon and Pluto always face each other, a phenomenon called mutual tidal locking. The above mentioned statements refer to: (a) Herse (b) Nix (c) Charon (d) Hydra Explanation — Charon is the largest of Pluto's five moons. Charon is the largest known satellite in terms of its parent planet, measuring half the size of Pluto. — Charon and Pluto's surfaces are always facing one other, which is known as mutual tidal locking. — Charon orbits Pluto every 6.4 Earth days. Charon is so large in comparison to Pluto that the two are sometimes considered a double dwarf planet system. — Charon does not rise or set, but instead hovers over the same point on Pluto's surface, with the same side always facing Pluto. It rotates backwards, from east to west. — Charon was found in June 1978 by James Christy and Robert Harrington at the United States Naval Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, roughly six miles from the Lowell Observatory, which discovered Pluto. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. (Other Source: QUESTION 4 Which of the following is/ are considered a ground station as a service (GSaaS)? 1. Satellite control 2. Telemetry and tracking 3. Space data reception 4. Space situational awareness Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Explanation — According to a consultation document published by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the national agency responsible for regulating and marketing the private space industry, it is exploring opportunities for private operators to enter ground segments. — Ground stations are essentially ground-based antennas that help in communicating with the satellites. — According to the document, the ground station as a service (GSaaS) sector, which provides pay-per-use services such as satellite control, telemetry and tracking, space data reception, and space situational awareness, is expected to rise 30% by 2033, from $0.14 billion to $2.5 billion. — This is consistent with the government's objective of increasing India's participation in the global commercial space market from 2% to 8% by 2033. Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer. QUESTION 5 The Vera C Rubin Observatory was recently in the news. It is located in: (a) India (b) Russia (c) Chile (d) Canada Explanation — The Vera C Rubin Observatory in Chile has unveiled its first spectacular photographs, demonstrating the strength of its 3,200-megapixel digital camera, which is the largest ever created. The photos, captured during testing in April after the telescope's construction was completed, hint at a new era of sky surveys. — One spectacular image depicts the Trifid and Lagoon Nebulae in a star-forming area of the Milky Way. The image, made up of 678 monochrome exposures taken with four different filters, exhibits rich, vibrant detail after just over seven hours of observation. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. QUESTION 6 Which of the following is not a NASA Mission? (a) Europa Clipper (b) JUICE Mission (c) Lucy Mission (d) Artemis II Explanation According to 'ESA's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, Juice, will make detailed observations of the giant gas planet and its three large ocean-bearing moons – Ganymede, Callisto and Europa – with a suite of remote sensing, geophysical and in situ instruments. The mission will characterise these moons as both planetary objects and possible habitats, explore Jupiter's complex environment in depth, and study the wider Jupiter system as an archetype for gas giants across the Universe.' Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. QUESTION 7 Consider the following statements regarding nuclear devices and chain reactions: 1. The release of energy in a nuclear device results from the completion of a chain reaction in fissile material. 2. A chain reaction in fissile material can be initiated accidentally under high stress, such as during a missile or bomb strike. 3. The initiation of a nuclear chain reaction requires very precise conditions and processes. Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation How nuclear weapons are different from other bombs —A nuclear bomb is very different from the traditional explosives and chemicals used in warfare. Traditional bombs use a variety of chemicals that are generally designed to explode on impact, like when they are dropped. These chemical explosives can go off in other circumstances as well, like when they are exposed to heat or friction. These are explosive in themselves, and can get triggered and cause damage even when they are not used in the way they are designed to. Specifically, stored chemical explosives can lead to blasts when these are struck by other weapons. —Nuclear weapons, or nuclear material, do not behave like that. A nuclear bomb causes damage not by exploding the way traditional bombs do, but by releasing very high amounts of energy in a very short span of time. This large amount of energy sets off a series of processes that cause widespread damage. —Nuclear weapons are designed to detonate mid-air, not on impact like traditional explosives. They release a massive amount of energy in a few milliseconds, which heats up the surrounding air to millions of degrees Celsius, leading to the formation of what are known as blast waves, an expanding bubble of extremely hot air. Most of the damage is caused by these blast waves. —A nuclear explosion also releases electromagnetic radiations of different kinds, and these also cause a lot of destruction. —The release of energy from a nuclear device is the result of completion of the chain reaction in the fissile material. The initiation of the chain reaction requires a very precise set of processes to be followed and very precise conditions. These precise conditions cannot be met accidentally, or when the fissile material is under some kind of stress, like when it is struck by a missile or a bomb. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. The theme for National Science Day 2025 was: (a) Living in Space (b) Global Science for Global Wellbeing (c) Indigenous Technologies for VIKSIT BHARAT (d) Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for VIKSIT BHARAT Explanation — The theme for this year's National Science Day was 'Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for VIKSIT BHARAT.' Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 116) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 115) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 115) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than four years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'You Ask We Answer'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
