The Chairman of ISRO, S. Somanath, unveiled cutting-edge Propellant Tank Production and CNC Machining facilities at HAL’s Aerospace Division in Bengaluru on Wednesday. These facilities mark a significant step forward in ISRO’s production capabilities, particularly for its flagship Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), India’s most robust rocket.
Previously, ISRO could only manage two LVM3 launches annually, falling short of its required six launches per year. The new facilities at HAL will bridge this gap, empowering HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) to produce critical components for six LVM3 rockets annually.
“S. Somanath emphasized HAL’s vast potential and its pivotal role in ISRO’s future endeavors. HAL’s focus on advanced technologies and end-to-end tasks will relieve pressure on ISRO,” stated S. Somanath during the inauguration.
The event also featured a symbolic handover of the first Gaganyaan Service Module and LVM3 1/2 U Isogrid Version Hardware to ISRO.
The Propellant Tank Production Facility specializes in manufacturing high-performance fuel and oxidizer tanks crucial for the 4m diameter and up to 15m length of the LVM3 launch vehicle. Meanwhile, the CNC Machining Facility hosts state-of-the-art Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines for precise fabrication of Rings and Propellant Tank Domes for LVM3.
C B Ananthakrishnan, CMD (Addl. Charge) of HAL, expressed enthusiasm about the ongoing collaboration with ISRO, foreseeing accelerated progress in human spaceflight missions and the development of Next-Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV). HAL aims to further invest in space programs to unlock their full potential, positioning space as a significant sector for HAL in the future.