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Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-D5) was officially deployed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The launching of the GSLV was a huge accomplishment because it employed an indigenously designed cryogenic engine.
GSLV D5: The rocket
The terms “rocket” and “satellite” are not interchangeable. Equipment used to launch a satellite is known as both a rocket and a launcher mechanism. In those terms, each launch system will be equipped with a rocket engine, which will be used to propel the satellites into space. For example, PSLV, GSLV, and other launch systems. Whereas GSAT, INSAT and IRS are satellites. GSAT 14 satellite was launched using GSLV D5: the rocket (launch system). The cryogenic rocket engine employed throughout this launch system has cryogenic propellants.
What’s Special About GSLV D5: The Rocket Launch?
India has successfully deployed many satellites utilising launch systems from the PSLV & GSLV series. It was the 1st time India successfully tested a spacecraft utilising a cryogenic engine built indigenously. India used Russian expertise in cryogenic engines for the past GSLV flights, but now India has perfected cryogenic technology and emerged as a prominent space power.
Featuring solid, liquid, and cryogenic phases, the GSLV is a 3 phase launch vehicle. It is intended to launch small satellites in the 2 ton category to the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
Propellants Utilised in the Three Stages of GSLV
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UH25 and N2O4 are the first two stages (Strap-Ons).
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HTPB is the first stage (Core Stage).
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UH25 and N2O4 are the second stages.
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LH2 and LOX are the third stages.
LH2: Liquid Hydrogen, LOX: Liquid Oxygen, HTPB: Hydroxyl Terminated Polybutadiene, UH25: Unsymmetrical Dimethyl Hydrazine 25%, N2O4: Nitrogen Tetroxide.
The cryogenic liquid propellant was utilised on this mission. Liquid oxygen is liquid at – 183 degrees Celsius, while liquid hydrogen is liquid at – 253 degrees Celsius.
About the Cryogenic Engine
India’s indigenous cryogenic engine is called CE-7.5, and the last phase of GSLV is powered through this cryogenic rocket engine. As a component of a Cryogenic Upper Stage Project (CUSP), this reactor was created . This will play the role of KVD-1 (RD-56), which now powers its GSLV launch vehicle.
Advantages
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Compared to solids & earth-storable liquid-based propellant rocket phases, cryogenic rocket phases are much more effective in producing greater thrust per kilogram of fuel used.
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Cryogenic propulsion systems (liquid Hydrogen and liquid Oxygen) have a substantially greater specific impulse (a measure of efficiency) than ground storage based liquid and solid propellants, offering them a significant payload advantage.
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Due to the utilisation of propulsion systems at freezing temperatures as well as the attendant thermomechanical difficulties, the cryogenic stage is indeed a technically complex device in comparison to ground storage based liquid and solid propellants.
GSAT 14: The Satellite
GSAT-14 is a telecommunications microsatellite weighing 1,982 kg. The GSAT-14 spacecraft will replace the GSAT-3 observatory, which was deployed in 2004. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicles Mk.II (GSLV D5) used an Indian-built cryogenic engine in the third phase to carry GSAT-14.
GSAT-14 will assist the government in providing various satellite-based communication systems, particularly the-education and telemedicine. This spacecraft has 6 Ku-band & 6 extended C-band transceivers to serve the entire Indian subcontinent. GSAT-14 also has 2 Ka-band reflectors on board that will be used to study how climate impacts Ka-band satellite technology. Four solar panels provide 2,600 MW of energy, which is used to generate electricity on the satellite.
Conclusion
The very first operational cryogenic engine test was done by Indian researchers in 2003, followed by the “Maiden” successful launch in 2014. ISRO is working on several future initiatives, including PS2/GS2 connectivity, semi-cryo superstructure manufacturing, and cryo and semi cryo engine manufacturing, for which the requisite infrastructure and equipment are nearly complete. India is likely to become a satellite space power in the future, and the government is planning to establish policies that favour scientific and technical research.
