Indian Space Industry : Updates & Discussions

https://twitter.com/x/status/1674263151649644549

It's not entirely clear if they're talking about using HLVM3 (human-rated LVM3) as a launcher for the capsules already intended to dock with Orbital Reef (i.e. Boeing's Starliner or the Dream Chaser), or looking at a version of the Gaganyaan capsule.

Either way, these are a flurry of positive developments over the last week. My biggest fear with the local space industry was that it would be forced to wither as ISRO's mission tempo alone would not be enough to sustain a commercial operation on the part of subcontractors. But now it seems we have lots of options on hand for being a truly global player in the space biz.

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Voyager Space deepens India ties for commercial space station plans​

Jason RainbowJuly 10, 2023

Starlab-3-2128.jpg

Voyager's proposed StarLab station​

TAMPA, Fla. — Voyager Space is considering using India’s proposed Gaganyaan crewed spacecraft to serve the commercial space station it aims to be operating by the end of the decade. The Denver-based space technology provider announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) July 10 with India to explore using Gaganyaan, among other potential collaborations to deepen ties with the country’s space industry.

The MoU paves the way to other partnerships across exploration, research, and commercial activities, Voyager chief revenue officer Clay Mowry said.

India expects to perform Gaganyaan’s first crewed flight no earlier than 2025 following delays that have pushed out its schedule by at least three years.

The MoU with India is Voyager’s first with a crewed spacecraft provider outside the United States, Mowry told SpaceNews. He said Voyager is working with multiple undisclosed providers to supply crew and cargo services for Starlab, which would use a standard docking system aiming to be compatible with various spacecraft.

“We are targeting our single-launch configuration to be operational in 2028,” he added.

India partnerships​

Gaganyaan would launch to low Earth orbit on a version of India’s heavy-lift Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark 3.

Voyager announced a separate MoU July 7 to explore launch and deployment opportunities for small satellites orbited by two smaller Indian rockets: The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, or SSLV and PLSV.

Voyager’s customers have previously flown payloads on two PLSV missions, according to the company, which said the deal further expands their access to space.

The agreement also enables Voyager to study using space-qualified components from the recently created commercial arm of India’s space agency, covering spacecraft manufacturing, deployment, operations, and other areas of interest. Voyager offers a broad range of space technologies following a series of acquisitions since being founded four years ago, ranging from laser and radio frequency communications systems to mission-data transmitters and cameras.

The company announced its latest acquisition March 13 in a deal for engineering company ZIN Technologies, known for microgravity research equipment that Voyager said would support plans for its Starlab space station.

Under development in partnership with Lockheed Martin, Starlab is one of three commercial concepts in the running to help NASA transition from the aging International Space Station.

In January, Voyager said Airbus is also providing technical design support and expertise for the project, potentially making it easier for European governments to use Starlab.

Voyager’s partnerships in India come as the country relaxes regulatory rules over its commercial space sector and the involvement of foreign businesses.

spacenews.com

Voyager Space deepens India ties for commercial space station plans

Voyager Space is considering using India’s proposed Gaganyaan crewed spacecraft to serve the commercial space station it aims to be operating by the end of the decade.
spacenews.com spacenews.com
 
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So, MTAR, a long-time engine supplier to ISRO has started development of GARUDA-1 small satellite launcher:
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The GARUDA-1 is going to be a 2-stage to orbit all-liquid launcher with a payload capacity of 500 kg to LEO. The 1st stage will be powered by a 1 MN class KEROLOX engine. The 2nd stage will have a 100 kN KEROLOX engine. They plan of acquiring their avionics from ISRO. No idea if they are planning for re-usability.

ISRO doesn't have a 1 MN or a 100 kN class KEROLOX engine currently in service that MTAR can borrow. So, they will have to either make their own engines, do a JV with ISRO or buy from a foreign company. If MTAR is going for a 1 MN class semi-cryogenic engine for their 1st launcher, they probably plan on developing a medium lift vehicle in the future.

Maybe MTAR can work with Agnikul for their engines. Agnikul already has a working KEROLOX engine called Agnite:
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Agnite engine produces 25 kN of vaccum thrust at around 355 sec of Isp, which for a 1st attempt is great. Their vacuum optimized upper stage is ready:
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Anyway, MTAR is now the 3rd Indian private company to try to build a small satellite launcher. Other 2 contenders are: Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram launchers & Agnikul Cosmos' Agnibaan. Skyroot has already done a sub-orbital flight & Agnikul intends to do one in late 2023.

Small sat launch market is getting really competitive in India. So, ISRO has the new SSLV, which very cost competitive in that segment. How much of the global small sat market the SSLV can take up really comes down to its production rate. When these private launchers begin service, launch vehicle availability won't be a problem for Indian small sat makers.

Oh, ISRO is also working on a Nano sat launcher:
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NSLV is a 4 stage, all-solid rocket. The solid stages are re-purposed from the Rohini rocket family. Shouldn't take them too long to fly this.

DRDO is also building a medium lift launcher dedicated for defence satellites. This will be based on the K4 SLBM's 1st stage & will probably be cannister launched.
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For a nascent space industry, we have a lot of launchers coming up. Exciting times ahead.
 
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Looks like Skyroot just landed their 1st customer.

India's Skyroot signs agreement with French firm to launch satellite constellation​


India Today Science Desk
New Delhi, UPDATED: Jul 14, 2023 17:01 IST

The two companies have agreed to study the integration of Skyroot's Vikram launcher into the deployment process of the JAPETUS earth observation constellation.
1689361332003.png

Pic: Skyroot's Vikram-1 launcher.

In Short​

  • The agreement came on the sidelines of PM Modi visiting France
  • Promethee is developing nanosatellite constellations
  • Skyroot has been developing three variants of the Vikram rocket
India's private space company Skyroot Aerospace has signed an agreement with the French new-space operator Promethee to launch its satellite constellation into space.

The agreement came on the sidelines of Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting France. The launch is expected to happen as soon as December this year as Skyroot continues to develop its Vikram-I launch vehicle.

The two companies have agreed to study the integration of Skyroot's Vikram launcher into the deployment process of the JAPETUS earth observation constellation.

Promethee is developing nanosatellite constellations for Earth observation that will be launched into space by Skyroot.

1689361181059.png

Skyroot founder Pawan K Chandana with founder of Promethee. (Photo: Skyroot)

"Climate change and the increase in human activity have a direct impact on ecosystems and populations. It is essential to have the means to observe, monitor, and predict these events," Promethee said in a statement.

Skyroot said that as Earth-to-space transportation remains expensive, access to space has been limited to very few governments and enterprises. Yet space has transformed our lives for decades through GPS, Satellite internet and television, weather prediction, disaster response, understanding the universe, and many others.

Skyroot made national headlines after it launched India's first privately developed rocket Vikram-S into space from Sriharikota. Aided by ISRO, Skyroot is developing the Vikram-I and Vikram-II launch vehicles to cater to the global satellite launch demands.

The company recently conducted the flight qualification test of the Raman-I engine, which will be used for roll attitude control in the company's under-development Vikram-I rocket. The engine underwent a test fire at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), making Skyroot the first private company to utilise this facility.

Skyroot has been developing three variants of the Vikram rocket. While Vikram-I can carry 480 kilograms of payload to Low Earth Orbit, Vikram-II is designed to lift off with 595 kilograms of cargo. Meanwhile, Vikram-III can launch with 815 kg to 500 km Low Inclination Orbit.

Source: India's Skyroot signs agreement with French firm to launch satellite constellation
 
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Gautam said:
Looks like Skyroot just landed their 1st customer.

India's Skyroot signs agreement with French firm to launch satellite constellation​


India Today Science Desk
New Delhi, UPDATED: Jul 14, 2023 17:01 IST

The two companies have agreed to study the integration of Skyroot's Vikram launcher into the deployment process of the JAPETUS earth observation constellation.
View attachment 29059
Pic: Skyroot's Vikram-1 launcher.

In Short​

  • The agreement came on the sidelines of PM Modi visiting France
  • Promethee is developing nanosatellite constellations
  • Skyroot has been developing three variants of the Vikram rocket
India's private space company Skyroot Aerospace has signed an agreement with the French new-space operator Promethee to launch its satellite constellation into space.

The agreement came on the sidelines of Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting France. The launch is expected to happen as soon as December this year as Skyroot continues to develop its Vikram-I launch vehicle.

The two companies have agreed to study the integration of Skyroot's Vikram launcher into the deployment process of the JAPETUS earth observation constellation.

Promethee is developing nanosatellite constellations for Earth observation that will be launched into space by Skyroot.

View attachment 29058
Skyroot founder Pawan K Chandana with founder of Promethee. (Photo: Skyroot)

"Climate change and the increase in human activity have a direct impact on ecosystems and populations. It is essential to have the means to observe, monitor, and predict these events," Promethee said in a statement.

Skyroot said that as Earth-to-space transportation remains expensive, access to space has been limited to very few governments and enterprises. Yet space has transformed our lives for decades through GPS, Satellite internet and television, weather prediction, disaster response, understanding the universe, and many others.

Skyroot made national headlines after it launched India's first privately developed rocket Vikram-S into space from Sriharikota. Aided by ISRO, Skyroot is developing the Vikram-I and Vikram-II launch vehicles to cater to the global satellite launch demands.

The company recently conducted the flight qualification test of the Raman-I engine, which will be used for roll attitude control in the company's under-development Vikram-I rocket. The engine underwent a test fire at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), making Skyroot the first private company to utilise this facility.

Skyroot has been developing three variants of the Vikram rocket. While Vikram-I can carry 480 kilograms of payload to Low Earth Orbit, Vikram-II is designed to lift off with 595 kilograms of cargo. Meanwhile, Vikram-III can launch with 815 kg to 500 km Low Inclination Orbit.

Source: India's Skyroot signs agreement with French firm to launch satellite constellation
Click to expand...

Good to see you around Gautam, hope you are well.
 
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Skyroot's Raman II engine was successfully tested :

https://twitter.com/x/status/1682729712756617216

ISRO press release:

ISRO Supports a space start-up's Rocket Engine Test

July 22, 2023
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On July 21, 2023, ISRO demonstrated its commitment to fostering the space ecosystem in India by enabling a successful rocket-engine test conducted by Skyroot, a Hyderabad-based space start-up, at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) Mahendragiri. The test took place in the Liquid Thruster Test Facility (LTTF) in IPRC. The testing was enabled by IN-SPACe.

The test involved the Raman-II engine, which was designed by Skyroot to generate 820 N (Sea Level) and 1460 N (Vacuum) thrust, with a nominal chamber pressure of 8.5 bar absolute. The regeneratively cooled engine, manufactured through additive manufacturing techniques, utilizes Mono Methyl Hydrazine and Nitrogen Tetroxide as propellants. The 10-second duration test achieved the expected performance in terms of start transient, steady state, and shut-off. Skyroot intends to integrate the Raman-II engine into the fourth stage of its launch vehicle, Vikram-I.

The test facility systems demonstrated normal performance during the test, meeting the engine inlet conditions at T0. The instrumentation systems also performed as expected, further ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the test results.

This facilitation underscores ISRO's commitment to nurture private players, start-ups, and Non-Government Entities (NGEs) in developing the country's space eco-system. Going forward, a series of additional tests are planned to further validate and refine the Raman-II engine's capabilities.

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ISRO Supports a space start-up's Rocket Engine Test
 
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Voyager Space Signs Memorandum of Understanding with NewSpace India Limited to Explore Collaborative Opportunities in Space Technology​


NEWS PROVIDED BY Voyager Space
06 July, 2023, 22:30 ET


BENGALURU, India, July 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Voyager Space, a global leader in space exploration, is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), to foster collaboration in spacecraft launch and deployment opportunities on-board NSIL's Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).

Under this MOU, Voyager Space and NSIL will explore launch and deployment opportunities for small satellites orbited by SSLV and PSLV. The two organizations will also study the use of space qualified components from NSIL in support of spacecraft manufacturing, deployment, operations, and other areas of interest.

ISRO's state-of-the-art launch infrastructure and NSIL's experience in delivering payloads to orbit expands access to space for Voyager's global customer base. Voyager Space has previously flown customer satellites on two PSLV missions.

Clay Mowry, Chief Revenue Officer at Voyager Space stated, "We are thrilled to embark on this collaborative journey with NewSpace India Limited. This partnership is a unique opportunity as we join forces to drive innovation and advancement in the small satellite launch industry. We look forward to growing Voyager's presence in India and providing additional opportunities for our customers."

NSIL Chairman and Managing Director Radhakrishnan shared, "We are delighted to enter into this alliance with Voyager Space. India's space industry is open for business, and we are proud to serve the rapidly growing global small satellite launch service market. By working together, we will create a synergy that accelerates the development of a commercial space economy in India and abroad."

About Voyager Space

Voyager Space is dedicated to building a better future for humanity in space and on Earth. With over 35 years of spaceflight heritage and over 2,000 successful missions, Voyager is powering the commercial space revolution. Voyager delivers exploration, technology, and defense solutions to a global customer base that includes civil and national security agencies, commercial companies, academic and research institutions, and more.

About NSIL

NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE), under Department of Space (DOS) is the commercial arm of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). NSIL major business areas include Building Launch Vehicles and Satellites; Providing Launch Services for Global satellite customers on-board ISRO's Launch Vehicles; Providing Satellite based services through its fleet of in-orbit communication satellites; Mission Support Services and Transfer of ISRO developed Technologies to Indian Industry. NSIL is striving towards creating better Space Eco-system in the country by enhancing the participation of private Indian Industry players in space related activities.

Voyager Space Signs Memorandum of Understanding with NewSpace India Limited to Explore Collaborative Opportunities in Space Technology
 
IN-SPACe, ISRO to meet 20 cos that make small rockets

ISRO recently announced to transfer the technology for making the small rocket or Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to private companies.

ByBizz Buzz | 5 Aug 2023 5:50 PM IST
1691300665213.png

Pic: SSLV-D2 Flight. Courtesy: SDSC-SHAR, ISRO

Chennai: Officials of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will meet representatives of about 20 companies interested in making a small rocket on August 8, a top official confirmed. IN-SPACe is the regulator for private players in the Indian space sector and ISRO is the Indian space agency.

Recently it had had announced the ISRO’s decision to transfer the technology for making the small rocket or Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to private companies. “Twenty companies have applied. Consortium formation will be known only when they submit the EOI (Expression of Interest),” IN-SPACe chairman Pawan Goenka said. “We are having a pre-EOI meeting on 8th (August) where ISRO and IN-SPACe teams will interact with all the applicants and based on the interaction we may fine tune the EOI,” Goenka added.

As per the conditions put out earlier, the interested private players or the leader of the consortium should have a minimum turnover of Rs 400 crore and be profitable. The respondents should be in operation for a period not less than seven years and have at least five years manufacturing experience, thus excluding new age rocket startups if interested to bid alone.

The Intellectual Property Rights of the SSLV configuration considered for transfer of technology shall continue to be owned by ISRO. However non-exclusive and non-transferable license of the rocket technology will be given to the selected party. The SSLV designed and developed by ISRO has a payload capacity of 500 kg and is powered by solid fuel. As per IN-SPACe, the technology to make SSLV will be transferred only to Indian private industries.

To the question how IN-SPACe is getting involved in the transfer of technology as the technology is owned by ISRO which already has a commercial arm by name NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) a senior official of ISRO told IANS: "The contract will be with NSIL. INSPACe is facilitating the deal as per their mandate."

The Indian space agency has flown the rocket twice with satellites.

IN-SPACe, ISRO to meet 20 cos that make small rockets
 
Looks like Agnikul is finally ready for its suborbital test flight:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1692094623307743611

https://twitter.com/x/status/1692096855268827445

Integration check started on 15th August. It should be launch ready with in a week or so. We are probably going to see a launch by next week, if weather permits.
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6 months back they posted a video of the 6kN KEROLOX engine that will power this rocket:


This engine is a scaled down version of their 20-25kN electric pump-fed Agnilet engine. Their full-scale orbital rocket Agnibaan's 1st stage will be powered by a clustered stage of 7 of the 20-25kN Agnilet engines.

This sub-orbital flight would be the 1st flight of an Indian kerolox engine. ISRO doesn't have any KEROLOX engine in use yet.

It should be noted that Agnikul's competitor Skyroot has already completed the sub-orbital flight test of their Vikram-S rocket some 8 months ago.


Skyroot is now in the process of building their 1st commercial grade orbital satellite launcher called Vikram 1. Vikram 1 is currently at an advanced stage of manufacturing & testing.
 
ASTROPHEL AEROSPACE, another Indian space start up, have recently tested their 2.8kN "Potentia" semi-cryogenic engine:


The engine is a pressure fed & uses LOX/Ethanol propellant. The engine can produce up to 5kN with a full-size C/D nozzle. They are currently getting a sea-level specific impulse of 285 sec.

Indian Rocket Startup Astrophel Aerospace Successfully Test Fires Prototype Cryogenic Engine

Pune-based rocket startup, Astrophel Aerospace has successfully tested its prototype cryogenic engine, said one of the founders.

IANS | Aug 17, 2023 05:44 PM IST
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Chennai, Aug 17: Pune-based rocket startup, Astrophel Aerospace has successfully tested its prototype cryogenic engine, said one of the founders. “The prototype Potentia C1 cryogenic engine was test fired on August 14. The firing was a success as the engine achieved all the parameters,” Co-Founder and COO, Immanuel Louis told IANS.

The engine was fuelled by a mix of ethanol and liquid oxygen and was fired for eight seconds and achieved a thrust of 2.8kN, he said. Astrophel Aerospace is promoted by three young persons -- Suyash Bafna, Founder and CEO, Taj Baba, Co-Founder and CTO and Louis.

Bootstrapped or running their startup with their own funds, the 'Amar, Akbar, Anthony' of the Indian space sector had earlier told IANS that they would first test the rocket’s cryogenic engine and then approach the investors for funds.

The company is planning to build a three staged rocket with a carrying capacity of about 200kg for low earth orbit, Louis said. According to Louis, their Astra series rocket can even have all the stages powered by cryogenic engines or a mix of liquid and solid powered engines.

He said the company would be needing about $1.5 – 2 million to increase its headcount and also improve the testing facilities. “We will first test our rocket with a sub-orbital launch and then go for a full-fledged launch three years from now,” Louis remarked.

Indian Rocket Startup Astrophel Aerospace Successfully Test Fires Prototype Cryogenic Engine | 📝 LatestLY

Few months back they also conducted a cryogenic cold flow test of the same engine:

 
Gautam said:
ASTROPHEL AEROSPACE, another Indian space start up, have recently tested their 2.8kN "Potentia" semi-cryogenic engine:


The engine is a pressure fed & uses LOX/Ethanol propellant. The engine can produce up to 5kN with a full-size C/D nozzle. They are currently getting a sea-level specific impulse of 285 sec.

Indian Rocket Startup Astrophel Aerospace Successfully Test Fires Prototype Cryogenic Engine

Pune-based rocket startup, Astrophel Aerospace has successfully tested its prototype cryogenic engine, said one of the founders.

IANS | Aug 17, 2023 05:44 PM IST
View attachment 29845

Chennai, Aug 17: Pune-based rocket startup, Astrophel Aerospace has successfully tested its prototype cryogenic engine, said one of the founders. “The prototype Potentia C1 cryogenic engine was test fired on August 14. The firing was a success as the engine achieved all the parameters,” Co-Founder and COO, Immanuel Louis told IANS.

The engine was fuelled by a mix of ethanol and liquid oxygen and was fired for eight seconds and achieved a thrust of 2.8kN, he said. Astrophel Aerospace is promoted by three young persons -- Suyash Bafna, Founder and CEO, Taj Baba, Co-Founder and CTO and Louis.

Bootstrapped or running their startup with their own funds, the 'Amar, Akbar, Anthony' of the Indian space sector had earlier told IANS that they would first test the rocket’s cryogenic engine and then approach the investors for funds.

The company is planning to build a three staged rocket with a carrying capacity of about 200kg for low earth orbit, Louis said. According to Louis, their Astra series rocket can even have all the stages powered by cryogenic engines or a mix of liquid and solid powered engines.

He said the company would be needing about $1.5 – 2 million to increase its headcount and also improve the testing facilities. “We will first test our rocket with a sub-orbital launch and then go for a full-fledged launch three years from now,” Louis remarked.

Indian Rocket Startup Astrophel Aerospace Successfully Test Fires Prototype Cryogenic Engine | 📝 LatestLY

Few months back they also conducted a cryogenic cold flow test of the same engine:

Click to expand...
They are developing these engines to use in their 2-stage small satellite launcher named "ASTRA".
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This launcher will be capable of launching 300kg to LEO. That would make it a direct competitor of the Skyroot's Vikram 1 launcher & the ISRO's SSLV.

The ASTRA launcher would use the same engine on both the stages. The 9 units of the Potentia C-1 METHALOX engine are going to power the 1st stage. Each engine would produce a sea-level thrust of 24kN with a sea-level Isp of 300 sec. The 9 engines combined would produce 200kN of lift-off thrust.
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The 2nd stage will have 1 vacuum optimized Potentia C-1 engine with peak thrust of 25kN & vacuum Isp of 330 sec.
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The last kick stage will have some hypergolic reaction control thrusters:
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We don't know if the engine is going to be throttleable or if the launcher is planned to be partially re-usable. Given it's their 1st engine & 1st launcher the answer is probably no.

Small satellite launch market is going to have a lot of new players in a decade or so.
 
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