ISRO begins assembly of HLVM3 for Gaganyaan’s first unmanned mission

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Bangalore: ISRO on Wednesday announced that it has started assembly of the Human-Valid Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM3) for Gaganyaan’s first unmanned flight at the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The Bengaluru-based space agency called it India’s first manned space flight and a major step towards its future space ambitions.

The event coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3-X/CARE (Crew module Atmospheric Reentry Experiment)) mission, which was launched on 18 December 2014.

According to an Isro release, man-rating of LVM3 has been completed and all systems have been tested for enhanced reliability. Ground tests and flight tests at off-nominal conditions have ensured the performance of these systems in line with human safety requirements.

The addition of the highly reliable Crew Escape System (CES) has boosted confidence for manned missions planned by ISRO. An escape provision exists for the crew during all stages of ascent until the module is injected into orbit.

HLVM3 is a three-stage vehicle with a payload capacity of about 10 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), standing 53 meters tall and weighing 640 tons.

“The crew module, designed with enhanced safety margins and multiple redundancies, will be aboard the human-rated LVM3, ensuring the safety of astronauts. Data obtained through uncrewed flights will be instrumental to the success of human missions.” It has been said.

Further, the experience gained from the Gaganyaan program will play an important role in the construction and operation of the Indian Space Station (BAS). This ambitious endeavor reflects ISRO’s long-term vision and foresight to leverage its established heritage to advance India’s space sector,” it added.

“On December 18, 2024 at 8.45 am at SDSC, the nozzle end section stacking with the full flex seal nozzle of the S200 motor took place, thus beginning the official launch campaign of the HLVM3-G1/OM-1 mission,” it. told

The space agency said preparations for both S200 motors will now proceed to assembly of segments, control systems and avionics. The L110 and C32 stages for HLVM3 are ready at the launch complex. Crew escape system elements are also received in the SDSC.

“Integration of the crew module is taking place at Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) and integration of the service module at URSC. Orbital module (OM) level integration and tests will take place later at URSC, Bangalore,” it said.

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