At a time when the country is getting ready to send its first-ever human spaceflight mission into orbit by December, 2021, ISRO’s Chairman, Dr Kailasavadivoo Sivan has made a startling revelation to the mainstream media on India’s future endeavours in the domain. In an interview with IANS, he confirmed that Russia had finally offered the much-awaited semi-cryogenic rocket engine technology to India. “Russia is offering its semi-cryogenic engine technology to India under the ‘Make in India’ programme. The rocket engines could be made in India and used in our rockets,” Dr Sivan dropped the bombshell. When asked about a prospective partnership with Russia for sourcing of critical components for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission, he said, “The discussions are on. Nothing has been finalised. We have to see whether we need to buy their components. The components have to be suitable for us.” Meanwhile, Russia’s state-run space agency- Roscosmos has also sent out a press statement expressing its intent to collaborate with India in the spheres of piloted spaceflight, satellite navigation and engine technology.
The evolution of high-thrust engines
Semi-cryogenic engines hold the key towards the development of a fullfledged super-heavy lift capability. While traditional cryogenic boosters of rockets use liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen as fuel, semi-cryogenic engines burn liquid oxygen mixed with kerosene (refined petroleum) which provides more thrust in the vacuum of space. Semi-cryogenic boosters significantly increase a rocket’s range, velocity and payload capacity which gives the user the option of launching heavier payloads directly into higher orbits. While India started working on indigenous cryogenic engines since the mid-1990s under the technology denial regime, the country’s space programme has come a long way with the evolution of CE-7.5 and CE-20 engines.
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Denne historien er fra September 2019-utgaven av Geopolitics.
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NEW MANTRA FOR DISPUTE RESOLUTION
AMIT COWSHISH explains why the Ministry of Defence (MOD), which is one of the biggest spenders, needs to watch out for the latest mediation rules.
NEW WAVE TERRORISM IN JAMMU & KASHMIR
KARAN KHARB argues that Pakistan's continued use of proxy war tactics against India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, poses a severe threat to national security. He advocates for a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach in counter-terrorism efforts, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of military strategies and a coordinated national policy to address both external and internal security challenges effectively.
INDIAN NAVY'S PROJECT-751 - GERMAN TKMS LEADS SPANISH NAVANTIA AFTER FIELD TRIALS FOR AIP-SUBMARINE DEAL
German submarine-builder ThyssenKrupp (TKMS) and India's Mazagaon Dockyard Limited (MDL) have emerged as leaders in the Indian Navy's Project-751, which aims to build six submarines with Fuel Cell Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) and Lithium-ion batteries. Following successful field trials, TKMS and MDL have gained an edge over competitors by demonstrating their proven AIP technology and advanced submarine design tailored to the Indian Navy's needs.
VIKSIT BHARAT FROM A DREAM TO REALITY
The article explores India's ascent as a global influencer, emphasising its strategic advancements in foreign policy, defence, and economic growth. It also highlights India's challenges in achieving sustainable development and strengthening internal security. Adopting a forward-looking approach, the article envisions India's rise as a major economic power and a key player in global stability, as outlined by LT. GEN. A.B. SHIVANE (RETD.).
WILL MODI APPLY THE LESSON LEARNT FROM KOREA IN UKRAINE?
Speculation around Prime Minister Narendra Modi's possible visit to Ukraine raises questions about India's role in mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine. Drawing from its experience during the Korean War, India may seek to leverage its strategic neutrality to foster dialogue in a conflict where China and Turkey have also shown interest, opines PRAKASH NANDA.
UGVS: THE NEXT DIMENSION OF WARFARE
With the rest of the world developing unmanned ground vehicles at a breakneck speed, it is time for India to join the bandwagon at the earliest.
SUPERSONIC DESTROYER
The BrahMos programme has filled a critical gap in the Indian armed forces' missile inventory and continues to attract strong export interest, writes ATUL CHANDRA.
POLICE MODERNISATION: AN URGENT NEED OF THE HOUR
India is facing many internal security threats, and it is time to reshape the strategic dynamics by modernising the police forces.
FUTURE FIGHTER
FIA 24 provided important insights into the Global Combat Air Programme, which will redefine the future of air combat, reports MIKE RAJKUMAR.
FILLING THE GAP
A new Medium Transport Aircraft is essential for the IAF, but it will have to compete with other pressing programmes fighting for limited budgetary resources, analyses ATUL CHANDRA.
