India is now getting into the reusable rockets. According to a report by SpaceNews, the Indian Space Research Organisation has revealed plans to develop reusable rocket technology in this decade.
In a “New Year Message for 2021,” ISRO Chairman K. Sivan announced the agency’s goals for the 2020s within the context of the growing space industry. The “space sector is facing disruption due to the entry of many private players,” Sivan said in the message.
He further added: “In line with global directions, we [must] develop heavy-lift launch vehicle, semi-cryogenic stage, reusable launch vehicle, advanced propulsion, next-generation avionics, advanced materials, dynamic space applications and efficient integration of space-based services, as well as advanced space science missions.”
According to the message, every ISRO centre and the unit has been directed to create a plan for the remainder of the decade that “provides ample focus on research and innovation, considering the national requirements, the new space policy, as well as the transitions occurring in the global space arena,” Sivan said. With the goals of this statement in mind, 18 ISRO centres aim to increase capabilities related to ground stations, human spaceflight, satellite platforms and more, according to SpaceNews.
Vikram Sarabhai Space Center was directed to continue its “competence in launch-vehicle development toward heavy-lift capabilities, achieving partial and full reusability” and scramjet engine (supersonic-combustion ramjet, a type of supersonic engine) research, according to SpaceNews.
SpaceNews also reported that the ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Center will develop more powerful semi-cryogenic propulsion capability, allowing the country to put 5.5 metric tons in geosynchronous transfer orbit. The same centre was also directed to innovation in the form of developing methane-liquid oxygen propulsion, “green propulsion” and electric propulsion.
ISRO’s future plans for India include a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle launch as well as the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission.
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