ISRO’s Heaviest LVM3 Rocket Payload Capacity Increased to 450kg
ISRO announced on Thursday that the payload capacity of India’s heaviest LVM3 rocket has been improved to 450kg with a successful engine test. According to the Indian Space Research Organisation, the CE20 cryogenic naturally-engineered Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3) engine was successfully tested at an advanced level of 21.8 tons for the first time on November 9, the country’s national center. headquarters here said the statement.
“This will enhance the payload capacity of LVM3 to 450 kg with additional payload,” ISRO said. The biggest change made to this test piece compared to previous engines was the introduction of a Thrust Control Valve (TCV) to control the thrusts, the space agency added.
“Furthermore, 3D printed LOX and LH2 turbine exhaust casings were installed on the engine for the first time. During this test, the engine was operating at about 20 tons thrust level in the first 40s, the thrust level increased to -21.8 tonnes moving the thrust control valve,” said the statement.
“During the test, the operation of the engine and the plant was normal and the required parameters were reached,” he said.
LVM3, a three-stage vehicle with two solid engine belts, a liquid propellant core stage and a cryogenic stage, is capable of launching a four-ton class of satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbit.
On Wednesday, the Indian Space Research Organization said it was preparing for the first landing test of the reusable launch vehicle – Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) from the flight test range in Karnataka state, Chitradurga, with its Chairman S Somanath. which shows that the weather is being closely monitored.
“We are looking at the weather. The weather is still not good. So, we are waiting for the wind and other systems to be healthy. We will do that,” said Somanath, who is the Secretary in the Ministry of Space, told PTI.
According to ISRO officials, the RLV wing assembly will be carried by helicopter to an altitude of three to five kilometers and released at a distance of four to five kilometers ahead of the runway at horizontal speed. After release, the RLV will glide, move towards the runway and automatically land on the landing gear at the defense airstrip near Chitradurga.
