Gaganyaan: Human-rated S200 rocket booster test successful, 700 parameters normal

BENGALURU: In a significant milestone for the Gaganyaan programme, Isro successfully completed the static test of human-rated solid rocket booster (HS200) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, at 7.20am Friday.
The HS200 rocket booster is the human-rated version of the well proven S200 rocket booster of GSLV-Mk3 satellite launch vehicle, or the LVM3 as Isro calls it, which is being human-rated for Gaganyaan.
The human-rated GSLV-Mk3 will be called HRLV.
"The successful completion of this test marks a major milestone for Gaganyaan, as the first stage of the launch vehicle is tested for its performance for the full duration," S Unnikrishnan Nair, director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), told TOI.
The S200
The S200 motor, which is the first stage of GSLV-Mk3 intended for launching 4,000kg class of satellites to Geosynchronous transfer orbit, was configured as strap on rocket booster.
Based on the successful launch pedigree of this launch vehicle, including Chandrayaan-2, the GSLV-Mk3 has been identified as the launcher for Gaganyaan mission and is undergoing improvements stipulated by the requirements of human rating.
In line with this, a host of improvements (design) aimed at increasing the safety and reliability of various systems were implemented in the S200 booster like all other systems.
The improvements include additional safety features for motor case joints and robust insulation and ignition systems. The control system used in this booster employs one of the world’s most powerful electro-mechanical actuators with multiple redundancy and safety features.
The system is fully indigenously designed and developed by Isro in participation with various industries spread across the country.
According to Isro, despite Covid-19 restrictions, it was able to complete the entire design, development, realization and testing process within two years.
Test & what next
On Friday, the HS200 booster loaded with 203 tonnes of solid propellant was tested for a duration of 135 seconds. The 20m-long booster of 3.2m diameter is the world’s second largest operational booster with solid propellant.
During the test, about 700 parameters were monitored and the performance of all the systems were normal, taking Isro one step closer to the Gaganyaan programme.
Further, out of the three propulsion stages of GSLV-Mk3, the human-rated versions of second stage known as L110-G loaded with liquid propellant and the third stage C25-G with cryogenic propellant are in the final phase of qualification, including tests with static firing.
Isro chairman S Somanath, Human Space Flight Centre director Umamaheshwaran R, and senior scientists/engineers from SHAR, were all at the spaceport on Friday.