Indian Space Industry : Updates & Discussions
- Thread starter Ashwin
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Although they are starting slowly, these startups are laying the groundwork for an Indian commercial space industry. For it to be financially feasible, they require some advice from the labs and seniors. Best of luck. Amazing works
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This mission has successfully achieved the following milestones
1. First-ever semi-cryo engine launch of India
2. First-ever launch from a private launchpad in India
3. First launch from India driven by computers working on Linux
4. First launch from India driven by an ethernet-based architecture for connecting flight computers within the vehicle
5. First flight with aviation-grade jet fuel and industrial-grade Liquid oxygen
6. World's first flight with a single piece 3D printed engine
A recent presentation from Agnikul Cosmos:
continued below...
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Skyroot should work on a liquid methane engine if they want to have an edge over Agnikul.
They can scale up their Dhawan engine. It is a pressure fed LNG/LOX engine producing 3.5 kN of vacuum thrust. It is a single piece completely 3D printed engine. If they switch from pressure fed to elecric pump fed the same design can probably do ~30 kN of thrust.
But if they can make their own turbopump. The possibilities open up for a Merlin class engine.
Correct, The Dhawan engine is a pressure fed upper stage engine. created by using carbon composite on propellant tanks for high pressure. In any case, they must construct the first-stage liquid engine, which requires greater thrust perhaps ISRO or IIT Madras can assist them in creating a turbine pump.
ISRO can provide them with the turbopump set up they built for their cancelled C-12 hydrolox engine.
Or maybe the C-7.5's turbopumps:
ISRO chairman inaugurates facilities at HAL to support LVM3 program
Published- June 05, 2024, 07:41 pm IST
Bengaluru
THE HINDU BUREAU
ISRO Chairman S. Somanath inaugurated the Propellant Tank Production and Computer Numerical Centre Machining facility at HAL in Bengaluru Wednesday. | Photo Credit: ISRO.
A state-of-the-art Propellant Tank Production and Computer Numerical Centre (CNC) Machining facility was inaugurated at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Aerospace Division on Wednesday by ISRO Chairman S. Somanath.
HAL said the newly established facilities would provide a major boost to ISRO’s ability to meet its growing production needs, particularly for India’s heaviest and most powerful rocket, the Launch Vehicle Mark–3 (LMV3).
“Currently, the existing capacity allows for only two LVM3 launches per year, whereas ISRO’s requirements stand at six launches annually. The facilities will address this gap, enabling HAL to manufacture enough critical components to support the production of six LVM3 rockets per year,” HAL said.
“HAL has enormous capacities, and this potential should be explored in the larger interest of both the organizations. HAL will play a larger role in ISRO’s future missions hence should focus on emerging technologies, designing challenges, and take up end-to-end tasks to ease pressure on ISRO,” Mr. Somanath said.
C.B. Ananthakrishnan, CMD (additional charge), HAL, said the ongoing collaboration with ISRO would accelerate human spaceflight missions and development of Next-Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV).
During the program, in a symbolic gesture, the first Gaganyaan Service Module and LVM3 ½ U Isogrid Version Hardware were also handed over to ISRO. The Propellant Tank Production Facility will specialise in the manufacturing of high-performance fuel and oxidiser tanks, critical components for the LVM3 launch vehicle of size 4 m in diameter and up to 15 m in length. The CNC Machining Facility houses advanced Computer Numerical Control machines for handling high-precision fabrication of 4.5 m class Rings and Propellant Tank Domes of LVM3.
ISRO chairman inaugurates facilities at HAL to support LVM3 programme
Published- June 05, 2024, 07:41 pm IST
Bengaluru
THE HINDU BUREAU
ISRO Chairman S. Somanath inaugurated the Propellant Tank Production and Computer Numerical Centre Machining facility at HAL in Bengaluru Wednesday. | Photo Credit: ISRO.
A state-of-the-art Propellant Tank Production and Computer Numerical Centre (CNC) Machining facility was inaugurated at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Aerospace Division on Wednesday by ISRO Chairman S. Somanath.
HAL said the newly established facilities would provide a major boost to ISRO’s ability to meet its growing production needs, particularly for India’s heaviest and most powerful rocket, the Launch Vehicle Mark–3 (LMV3).
“Currently, the existing capacity allows for only two LVM3 launches per year, whereas ISRO’s requirements stand at six launches annually. The facilities will address this gap, enabling HAL to manufacture enough critical components to support the production of six LVM3 rockets per year,” HAL said.
“HAL has enormous capacities, and this potential should be explored in the larger interest of both the organizations. HAL will play a larger role in ISRO’s future missions hence should focus on emerging technologies, designing challenges, and take up end-to-end tasks to ease pressure on ISRO,” Mr. Somanath said.
C.B. Ananthakrishnan, CMD (additional charge), HAL, said the ongoing collaboration with ISRO would accelerate human spaceflight missions and development of Next-Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV).
During the program, in a symbolic gesture, the first Gaganyaan Service Module and LVM3 ½ U Isogrid Version Hardware were also handed over to ISRO. The Propellant Tank Production Facility will specialise in the manufacturing of high-performance fuel and oxidiser tanks, critical components for the LVM3 launch vehicle of size 4 m in diameter and up to 15 m in length. The CNC Machining Facility houses advanced Computer Numerical Control machines for handling high-precision fabrication of 4.5 m class Rings and Propellant Tank Domes of LVM3.
ISRO chairman inaugurates facilities at HAL to support LVM3 programme
Landmark 350th iDEX contract inked; MoD to collaborate with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd for design & development of miniaturised satellite capable of carrying multiple payloads up to 150 kgs for Indian Air Force
Posted On: 25 JUN 2024 12:37PM by PIB DelhiInnovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence, signed the landmark 350th contract in New Delhi on June 25, 2024. The contract was inked with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd for the design and development of a ‘Miniaturised satellite capable of carrying Electro-Optical, Infrared, Synthetic Aperture Radar, and Hyperspectral payloads up to 150 kgs’. This challenge is being led by the Indian Air Force. The 150th iDEX contract was signed in December 2022, and within a span of 18 months, the 350th contract has been signed.
The contract was exchanged between Additional Secretary (Defence Production) & CEO, Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) Shri Anurag Bajpai and Founder & CEO of SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd Shri Awais Ahmed Nadeem Alduri in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and other senior civil & military officials of the Ministry of Defence. SpacePixxel has been actively working to build and launch high-resolution hyperspectral imaging satellites to provide detailed earth observation data.
This 350th iDEX contract enables innovation in space electronics, wherein many payloads earlier deployed on dedicated large satellites are now being miniaturised. The modular small satellite will integrate multiple miniaturised payloads as per requirement, providing advantages like faster and economical deployment, ease of manufacturing, scalability, adaptability, and less environmental impact.
In his address, the Defence Secretary appreciated the unwavering commitment of new defence innovators for pushing the boundaries of technology and safeguarding the nation. Emphasising the importance of combining indigenisation with innovation, he stated that domestic capabilities provide a foundation for fostering innovation by offering a platform for experimentation and development. Innovation fuels indigenisation by driving the creation of new technologies and solutions that can be produced domestically, he said, assuring all possible support to the innovators at every step
Landmark 350th iDEX contract inked; MoD to collaborate with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd for design & development of miniaturised satellite capable of carrying multiple payloads up to 150 kgs for Indian Air Force
Posted On: 25 JUN 2024 12:37PM by PIB DelhiInnovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence, signed the landmark 350th contract in New Delhi on June 25, 2024. The contract was inked with SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd for the design and development of a ‘Miniaturised satellite capable of carrying Electro-Optical, Infrared, Synthetic Aperture Radar, and Hyperspectral payloads up to 150 kgs’. This challenge is being led by the Indian Air Force. The 150th iDEX contract was signed in December 2022, and within a span of 18 months, the 350th contract has been signed.
The contract was exchanged between Additional Secretary (Defence Production) & CEO, Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) Shri Anurag Bajpai and Founder & CEO of SpacePixxel Technologies Pvt Ltd Shri Awais Ahmed Nadeem Alduri in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and other senior civil & military officials of the Ministry of Defence. SpacePixxel has been actively working to build and launch high-resolution hyperspectral imaging satellites to provide detailed earth observation data.
This 350th iDEX contract enables innovation in space electronics, wherein many payloads earlier deployed on dedicated large satellites are now being miniaturised. The modular small satellite will integrate multiple miniaturised payloads as per requirement, providing advantages like faster and economical deployment, ease of manufacturing, scalability, adaptability, and less environmental impact.
In his address, the Defence Secretary appreciated the unwavering commitment of new defence innovators for pushing the boundaries of technology and safeguarding the nation. Emphasising the importance of combining indigenisation with innovation, he stated that domestic capabilities provide a foundation for fostering innovation by offering a platform for experimentation and development. Innovation fuels indigenisation by driving the creation of new technologies and solutions that can be produced domestically, he said, assuring all possible support to the innovators at every step
NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and Space Machines Company announce the signing of historic Launch Service Agreement for next Optimus spacecraft onboard Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
BENGALURU, 26 JUNE, 2024— NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a Govt. of India company under the Department of Space and the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Space Machines Company, an Australian-Indian in-space servicing firm, have signed a landmark Dedicated Launch Service Agreement.
This pioneering collaboration sets the stage for the launch of Space Machines Company’s second Optimus spacecraft weighing 450kg, the largest Australian-designed and built spacecraft so far. Slated for a Dedicated launch on-board NSIL/ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) in 2026, this mission will mark a defining moment for both nations in the area of space collaboration.
At the India Space Congress 2024 held in Delhi, Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO and Co-Founder of Space Machines Company, and Mr. Radhakrishnan Durairaj, Chairman and Managing Director of NSIL, formally announced the signing of the Launch Service Agreement.
“This collaboration with Space Machines Company exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation in space and highlights the strategic partnership between Australia and India,” said Mr Radhakrishnan Durairaj, NSIL Chairman and Managing Director. “As a Launch service provider for the Optimus spacecraft, we are not only fostering the growth of our respective space industries but also contributing to the sustainable exploration and utilisation of space.”
“The Space MAITRI mission and our collaboration with NewSpace India Limited represents a significant leap forward for Australia’s space industry. By combining our innovative spacecraft capabilities with India’s proven launch expertise, we are not only strengthening the ties between our nations’ space sectors but also demonstrating our shared commitment to sustainable space operations,” said Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO and Co-Founder of Space Machines Company.
This mission, named Space MAITRI मैत्री (Mission for Australia-India’s Technology, Research and Innovation), marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between Australia and India in the space domain, fostering closer ties between commercial, institutional, and governmental space organisations from both nations. By focusing on debris management and sustainability, the mission aligns with the core values and objectives of both countries, promoting responsible space operations and mitigating the growing threat of space debris.
https://www.nsilindia.co.in/sites/default/files/NSIL and SMC_SSLV (1).pdf
**Satellite launch market grim, need to create internal demand: ISRO chairman S Somanath**
By K R Balasubramanyam, ET Bureau
Last Updated: Jun 16, 2024, 03:51:00 PM IST
The satellite launch market the world over is grim, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S Somanath has said, while highlighting that there are rockets available and are waiting for demand.
"People usually don’t understand. They think if they build low-cost rockets, people will come. But the market was depressed, and that was the truth, the eminent space scientist, who is heading the ISRO since January 2022," he said.
"Even with Arianespace, (the European launch services giant), for instance, the profitability was a big challenge but for the government subsidies."
The chief reason for the present situation was good satellites were built by a limited number of players in the world, said the Kerala-born, IISc educated scientist, under whose leadership India accomplished its complex Chandrayaan-2 mission last year. Somanath’s comments came in response to queries from a select group of people at an interaction Bengaluru-based think tank Synergia Foundation organised, last week.
Third-world countries including Brazil, Argentina and Saudi Arabia were all building satellites and fiercely competitive. India has, so far, launched 435 satellites from other countries and it is a good number. This year, India will be launching four satellites from other countries. “But we could get only this much, but our launch capabilities are three times the demand. We are not able to use our capacity because satellites are not there.”
A startup may say it has 10 rockets, but unless we develop the need, there is no purpose in developing high-end rockets, the ISRO chairman said, while calling for development of a robust ecosystem and demand. “At ISRO, we have PSLVs, but we have no demand. I have a problem: rockets are built and kept in stock, but not finding customers.”
In India, is anyone building satellites for use, he asked and said the situation was the same in the US, too. In the US, only SpaceX was doing it because it has enough rockets and has to create a business for itself. And, so launches its own satellites. SpaceX was able to launch 60-70 launches a year because it is launching 90% of its own satellites, he added.
Need to create internal demand, market
“So what we need to do is to create an internal demand and market. It won’t come from outside. We would be living in a fool’s paradise if we think we will build better rockets in India and wait for American satellites to come,” he said.
Somanath referred to the imminent launch of Ariane 6, Europe's new heavy lift launch vehicle replacing its predecessor, Ariane 5. Arianespace has 20-30 satellites in their orderbook, which means about five launches a year. Blue Origin (founded by Jeff Bezos) has had one launch per year. Boeing Starliner has had one launch in a few years.
There was also a geopolitical element to it. If someone was coming to India, there could be others trying to prevent that. China, for instance, has huge launch capabilities, but they are largely launching their own and occasionally those of other countries.
Somanath said there was a big difference between defence procurement and space procurement. Rockets were built for launch, missiles are made not to launch, (but as a deterrence). If ISRO places an order, it is based on demand for operation, while defence purchases are meant to keep the assets in active condition. In defence there were buyers like the Army, Airforce, Navy or other countries, but there were no such buyers in space. In India, ISRO was the only buyer and its buying capabilities were based on market demand. “That is why we cannot give orders to anyone.”
“If someone approaches for a satellite launch, then you would need a rocket. It was the need of the market. You said about MoQ (minimum order quantity). If you have to place the order. I have to give guarantee that I will launch in a certain period of time. But there is no order book,” Somanath said. He clarified that the iDex (Innovations for Defence Excellence) model was not possible in space because there is no commitment.
NewSpace India (NSIL) was not able to invest (in launch vehicles) as it is not sure the rockets would be used. They don’t have commercially available offers.
Link to original ET article but it is paywalled.
economictimes.indiatimes.com
By K R Balasubramanyam, ET Bureau
Last Updated: Jun 16, 2024, 03:51:00 PM IST
The satellite launch market the world over is grim, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S Somanath has said, while highlighting that there are rockets available and are waiting for demand.
"People usually don’t understand. They think if they build low-cost rockets, people will come. But the market was depressed, and that was the truth, the eminent space scientist, who is heading the ISRO since January 2022," he said.
"Even with Arianespace, (the European launch services giant), for instance, the profitability was a big challenge but for the government subsidies."
The chief reason for the present situation was good satellites were built by a limited number of players in the world, said the Kerala-born, IISc educated scientist, under whose leadership India accomplished its complex Chandrayaan-2 mission last year. Somanath’s comments came in response to queries from a select group of people at an interaction Bengaluru-based think tank Synergia Foundation organised, last week.
Third-world countries including Brazil, Argentina and Saudi Arabia were all building satellites and fiercely competitive. India has, so far, launched 435 satellites from other countries and it is a good number. This year, India will be launching four satellites from other countries. “But we could get only this much, but our launch capabilities are three times the demand. We are not able to use our capacity because satellites are not there.”
A startup may say it has 10 rockets, but unless we develop the need, there is no purpose in developing high-end rockets, the ISRO chairman said, while calling for development of a robust ecosystem and demand. “At ISRO, we have PSLVs, but we have no demand. I have a problem: rockets are built and kept in stock, but not finding customers.”
In India, is anyone building satellites for use, he asked and said the situation was the same in the US, too. In the US, only SpaceX was doing it because it has enough rockets and has to create a business for itself. And, so launches its own satellites. SpaceX was able to launch 60-70 launches a year because it is launching 90% of its own satellites, he added.
Need to create internal demand, market
“So what we need to do is to create an internal demand and market. It won’t come from outside. We would be living in a fool’s paradise if we think we will build better rockets in India and wait for American satellites to come,” he said.
Somanath referred to the imminent launch of Ariane 6, Europe's new heavy lift launch vehicle replacing its predecessor, Ariane 5. Arianespace has 20-30 satellites in their orderbook, which means about five launches a year. Blue Origin (founded by Jeff Bezos) has had one launch per year. Boeing Starliner has had one launch in a few years.
There was also a geopolitical element to it. If someone was coming to India, there could be others trying to prevent that. China, for instance, has huge launch capabilities, but they are largely launching their own and occasionally those of other countries.
Somanath said there was a big difference between defence procurement and space procurement. Rockets were built for launch, missiles are made not to launch, (but as a deterrence). If ISRO places an order, it is based on demand for operation, while defence purchases are meant to keep the assets in active condition. In defence there were buyers like the Army, Airforce, Navy or other countries, but there were no such buyers in space. In India, ISRO was the only buyer and its buying capabilities were based on market demand. “That is why we cannot give orders to anyone.”
“If someone approaches for a satellite launch, then you would need a rocket. It was the need of the market. You said about MoQ (minimum order quantity). If you have to place the order. I have to give guarantee that I will launch in a certain period of time. But there is no order book,” Somanath said. He clarified that the iDex (Innovations for Defence Excellence) model was not possible in space because there is no commitment.
NewSpace India (NSIL) was not able to invest (in launch vehicles) as it is not sure the rockets would be used. They don’t have commercially available offers.
Link to original ET article but it is paywalled.
Satellite launch market grim, need to create internal demand: ISRO chairman S Somanath
ISRO chairman S Somanath stresses the need to create internal demand for rockets, referencing PSLVs, SpaceX, and Blue Origin's strategies.
