ISRO to up mission rate; developing semi-cryogenic technology

Bangalore: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will step up the frequency of missions, even as it sets larger objectives for itself in areas of national development and space science. The organisation will also seek to create synergy between space, defence, aeronautics and atomic energy sectors, according to the newly installed chairman, K Radhakrishnan.

Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle

''The Indian Space Research Organisation will aim at launching between six and eight missions every year to meet its objectives in the areas of national development and space science,'' ISRO chairman, K Radhakrishnan said here Thursday.

''We must look to create synergy between the space industry and the aircraft, defence and atomic energy sectors,'' he said in his address to the 23rd National Convention of Aerospace Scientists here. ''The Indian space industry is robust, comprising 500 firms and employing a total of 15,000 people.''

India's first launch vehicle with an indigenous cryogenic engine, the GSLV-D3 (Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) was in the final stages of preparation, he said. The launch is scheduled for December 2009, though Radhakrishnan did not reveal the launch date.

Radhakrishnan also revealed that Indian space scientists were developing semi-cryogenic propulsion technology, which will use kerosene and allow Indian launcher rockets to carry payloads of upto six-tonnes, nearly three times more than their current capability.

While cryogenic technology uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, semi-cryogenic technology will use pure kerosene (aviation-grade) instead of liquid hydrogen.