GSLV-All about

The failure of the Christmas launch of GSLV was the third one for India. GSLV Stands for Geo Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. As the name suggests, the satellite have to revolve around the earth at the same angular velocity, rather a little more than that which means the satellite have to constantly watch a particular geographical area. This is possible only at great altitudes. The altitude is a whooping 36,000 Kms above earth surface.

The problem with the earth is its gravity. The launch vehicle should be able to travel to the altitudes against earth’s gravity, against the friction offered by the atmosphere. The vehicle need not escape from the gravity, but it should reach the level of minimum gravity. For launch vehicle, to achieve such great heights, the conventional fuels like HTPB (Hydroxyl Terminated Poly Butadiene), or UDH(Unsymmetrical Dimethyl Hydrazene) do not offer the thrust required, though they are used in the lower stages of the vehicle. The only known fuel for achieving such thrust is Liquid Hydrogen. Hydrogen can be liquefied at sub-zero temperature (-253 degrees). Along with liquid Hydrogen, Liquid Oxygen (-297 degrees) is also used as an Oxydiser. Both gases are liquefied at high pressure and lowest temperatures.

Now the fuel should burn for combustion. The temperature of the combustion is over 600 degree Celsius. Imagine this situation. In the fuel tank, it is in subzero temperature. The combustion is at 600 degrees. All the three forms of heat transfer, conduction, convection and radiation (Isothermal effect) should be successfully prevented from evaporating the liquid fuels. This is achieved by a rare ceramic. Liquefying these gases is not a big deal. But the challenge lies in using them.

Indian failures in GSLV missions worth Rs. 1000 crores each. These endeavours are necessary to excel the GSLV technology.

Russia has provided seven cryogenic engines to India, out of which 6 have already been used. With the existing one, India can perform only one GSLV mission. Let us pray the scientists for the best.

The politics of the satellites is very peculiar. The developed P-5 nations inhibit transfer of sensitive space technologies to the third world countries. MTCR is the international pact, for which the P-5 nations are bound. Missile Technology Cut-off Regime is a treaty which forbids the transfer of technology, with a higher limit. You know about BrahMos missile? It is the compromise for that treaty.

The higher limits of transfer of technology for missiles are

1.    The Missile should not have a nuclear warhead.

2.    Its range should not exceed 300 kms.

Brahmos’ range is 290kms and it is a missile carrying conventional warhead.

What is the connection between space technology and missile technology where both are different in applications? Because, if a country is able to produce a PSLV (Polar satellite Launch Vehicle), it can equally produce an intercontinental missile as well. He technology used is similar. In space application, the vehicle goes to the Low earth Orbit (LEO) whereas in defence applications it is launched to reenter the atmosphere.

The future wars will be fought only by missiles and electronic warfare. Though GSLV technology is for space applications, it is sensitive in the defence angle. Therefore, no wonder, the MTCR cover the GSLV technology also.

Comments are welcome.