The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set for a series of critical tests and a crucial launch mission in the coming weeks to shore up its technological capabilities and increase India’s foray into space.
ISRO is set to launch an Earth Observation Satellite-6 (EOS-6), known as Oceansat-3 in early April in a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The Chandrayaan-3 landing test is set to be held in March. It will also conduct technical tests pertaining to small satellite launch vehicles (SSLV) and reusable launch vehicles (RLV-TD).
It is important to learn about the three crucial ISRO events in detail:
1. RLV-TD
The Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstration Programme (RLV-TD) is a scaled-down prototype of an eventual two-stage-to-orbit reusable launch vehicle. Some critical captive tests regarding the RLV have been happening at Challakere, Karnataka.
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The Landing Experiment (LEX) will take place in the first week of April, as per ISRO chief Dr. Somanath.
“In yesterday’s (Saturday’s) test, we used a flight model. Now, we have to go back and analyse data from the flight model test. We need to look at all information and analyse if it reached the correct location, instrumentation health and other parameters,” Dr. Somanath told the Times of India.
If there are any corrections required in the software, it will be carried out at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Trivandrum in a full simulation test, he further said.
2. Chandrayaan-3
Even though the launch is scheduled this year, the final call will be taken in the coming months.
A critical test using “hanging conditions” will be carried out at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Dr. Somanath further said.
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To carry out the test, a lander-like unit (the propulsion system) will be studied for nominal and other performances.
“The hardware is already at the spaceport in Sriharikota and ISRO is preparing for the test,” the TOI report says.
Unlike Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 will include a lander and a rover, not an orbiter.
The mission will be launched on the GSLV Mark-III.
3. SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle)
It is a small-lift launch vehicle being developed by ISRO. It will have the payload capacity to deliver 600kg to Low Earth orbit (LEO).
The design of the vehicle was completed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre at Thumba.
The first developmental flight (static test) to put it into orbit EOS-2 will take place this week, as per Dr. Somanath.
4. PSLV launch
PSLV will launch payloads, including EOS-6 into the Low Earth Orbit. Also among the payload is BhutanSat (INS-2B).
