Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation S. Somanath speaks throughout a presentation on ‘Advancement in Space Technologies’, on the inaugural session of the International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations, in Bengaluru on June 8, 2023.
| Photo Credit: PTI
The structure for Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO), formidable Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) has been finalised, ISRO chairman S. Somnath has stated.
Speaking to presspersons on the SMOPS-2023 International Conference on Spacecraft Mission Operations right here on Thursday, he stated that the crew engaged on the NGLV programme had already submitted a preliminary report specializing in what the rocket ought to appear to be.
“A big team is working on it at various centres and they came out with a report on how this rocket should look, what are the technology inputs, what are the approaches we should do, where we should do, manufacturing everything is being addressed,” Mr. Somnath stated.
He added that ISRO wished the NGLV to be partially reusable and that the boosters must be reusable.
“We should use new generation propulsion, we must have cryogenic propulsion also in case we need to improve payload and it must be manufacturable using the materials currently available in India. The cost should be brought down, the manufacturing cycle and industry should be looked at. After this process we are going to consult with every industry before we take up the project,” the ISRO chief added.
He stated that the business can be requested if they may settle for the duty, and NewSpace India Ltd. (NSIL), ISRO’s business arm, would talk about it with the business.
“If the industry is willing, they will be onboarded to be a shareholder and partner in this process where they get to be a responsible partner in designing and manufacturing. We will create a business model for funding,” he added.
Mr. Somnath stated that the NGLV can be provided as a business launcher vehicle, for each governmental, and personal use.
“This is the plan; it may take maybe five to 10 years given that new rocket development is a long-drawn process. But one big advantage is we have the facilities necessary to develop it today right now. This means development can happen without much investment,” Mr. Somnath stated.
