LVM3-M6 Boosts Confidence in Gaganyaan Program: ISRO Chief
V Narayanan, the chairman of Isro, expressed that the successful deployment of the Bluebird Block-2 satellite using an LVM3-M6 rocket has bolstered faith in India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. He underscored the significant importance of the launch vehicle LVM3 in facilitating the ambitious Gaganyaan program, aimed at launching Indian astronauts into orbit and safely returning them to Earth.
Addressing reporters, Narayanan says, "Today, it is a very important mission for us. Because you all know this is the vehicle which is human-rated and identified for the Gaganyaan program for India. So, with 9 consecutive successful LVM3 launches, it improves our confidence in the Gaganyaan program. It is also a mandated requirement."
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He emphasized the accomplishments of the LVM3-Bluebird Block-2 mission, noting that the precise placement of the Bluebird-Block-2 satellite into its designated orbit represents the highest level of accuracy ever achieved on Indian territory.
"Today's launch is also another important one. It is the heaviest satellite to be launched from Indian soil. That has been accomplished today. Close to 6,000 kg, to be precise 5,908 kg, that is the heaviest satellite ever launched from Indian soil and we have achieved it in this mission”.
Highlighting the accuracy of the launch, Narayanan, also the Secretary, Department of Space, says, "We targeted a 520 km circular orbit. We have placed the satellite at 518.5 km altitude, which is 1.5 km less than the target”.
"It is one of the best launches made anywhere in the world. And this is the best accuracy so far achieved from the Indian launchers also," he says.
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In the recent mission, Isro introduced a technological improvement to enhance the performance of LVM3 rocket and increase its payload capability, the Chairman says.
"Today, one of the improvements we have done is the S200 solid motor control system (which is located on the side of the LVM3 rocket providing the thrust for lift-off). Earlier, we used to have an electro-hydro actuator, which is a very complex system in the S200. For the first time, India has developed a very powerful electro-mechanical actuator to improve the payload capability of the vehicle by approximately 150 kg," he says.
"For the first time, we are having back-to-back LVM3 missions within 52 days and that required a large amount of synchronisation with multiple centres." "With additional technologies, we have demonstrated that Isro is in much better shape for future missions, including the Gaganyaan Mission," he says.
In response to a query on the one-minute delay in lift-off, Narayanan explained that scientists continuously monitor the path of the rocket and the satellite. "If any space debris is expected we correct the timing. Every country does that depending upon the orbit requirement."
Acting Chairman and Managing Director of NewSpace India Ltd, which is the commercial arm of Isro, P Mohan pointed to increasing global interest in LVM3.
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"With nine successive, successful launches of LVM3 vehicles, the demand for LVM3 rockets is increasing with six to 10 missions planned in the future... many of the global companies have requested up to six launches of LVM3 per year from 2026-27 onwards..."
"NSIL is standing on the shoulders of the Department of Space and so thanks to Isro chairman for giving us this opportunity and allowing us to be the interface between NewSpace India Ltd and AST SpaceMobile from the USA," he adds.