Source: HT
Context: Union Minister confirmed in Parliament that India has completed the development and ground testing of the Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3) for the Gaganyaan mission, marking a key milestone ahead of India’s first human spaceflight.
- The long-term vision includes the Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035 and Indian Moon Landing by 2040.
About Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3):
- What is HLVM3?
- HLVM3 is India’s first human-rated launch vehicle, adapted from the proven LVM3 (GSLV Mk III) platform, designed to safely carry astronauts (Gaganyatris) into Low Earth Orbit under the Gaganyaan programme.
- Developed By:
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- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- Designed under the guidance of the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC)
- Mission Aim:
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- Enable safe launch, orbital insertion, and return of Indian astronauts.
- Form the backbone for future long-term missions like Bharatiya Antariksha Station and Indian lunar landing.
- Build self-reliant capacity in human space exploration and demonstrate advanced space safety systems.
- Key Features of HLVM3:
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- Three-Stage Configuration:
- Two S200 solid rocket boosters, L110 liquid core stage, and C25 cryogenic stage.
- Capable of lifting ~10 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit.
- Human-Rated Modifications:
- Systems upgraded for redundancy, fault-tolerance, and escape options.
- Designed with higher safety margins and enhanced quality assurance protocols.
- Crew Escape System (CES):
- Five types of motors already tested.
- Enables safe ejection of crew during ascent in emergencies.
- Operational from liftoff to orbital injection phase.
- Crew Module (CM) and Service Module (SM):
- CM tested for re-entry, parachute deployment, thermal resistance.
- SM handles power, propulsion, and environmental control.
- Supporting Infrastructure:
- Gaganyaan Control Centre, training facility, and dedicated launch modifications at SDSC.
- Recovery operations plan and communication network fully established.
- Three-Stage Configuration:
