Following its re-negotiated deal with Russia for the purchase of seven cryogenic-rocket engines, India is accelerating the development of the national Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and its own cryogenic rocket engine and third stage, the C-12 (Flight International, 19-25 April). Almost half of India's $330 million, 1995/6 space budget is allocated to GSLV Development.
The original deal with Russia, for two engines and a cryogenic technology transfer, was barred in 1993 by US protests, that it broke Missile Technology Control Regime rules.
Russia will make a phased supply of two mock-up cryogenic engines in late 1995 and in 1996, for ground testing. Seven flight-worthy engines will be available for use on the third stage of the first seven GSLV flights.
The 76kN-thrust, KUD-7.5 engine built by KB Khimmach was originally developed for use in Russia's cancelled manned-lunar-lander project and could fly as a new, uprated stage on the Proton booster.
Some of the materials for the first engine mock up for the GSLV third stage, have already been delivered to the Indian Space Research Organisation.
India's cryogenic-technology centre at Mahendragiri, in Tamul Nadu, will be fully commissioned at the end of 1995. An integrated liquid-hydrogen production plant was completed there in 1992.
The 400t, 50m-high GSLV will be able to place 2,500kg into geostationary orbit. The first stage will consist of a 120t hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene solid-propellant core stage, with four, L-40 liquid-propellant strap-on boosters, each carrying 40t of nitrogen tetroxide and usymmetrical dimethyl-hydrazine propellant.
The Vikas second-stage engine will use 37.5t of similar liquid propellants. India's C-12 stage engine, will use 12t of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen.
Source: Flight International
