HLVM3 Ready: India’s Human-Rated Rocket for Gaganyaan
Why in the news
The vehicle for Gaganyaan cleared ground tests, advancing India’s crewed spaceflight timeline.
Key facts
- Developed under the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) to carry Gaganyatris to Low Earth Orbit.
- Next goals: Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035, Moon landing by 2040.
Configuration
| Stage | Role |
|---|---|
| S200 boosters (2) | Lift-off thrust |
| L110 core | Main propulsion |
| C25 cryogenic | Orbit insertion |
Human-rating features
- Redundancy, fault tolerance and wider safety margins.
- Crew Escape System: five motor types tested; works from lift-off to orbital injection.
- Crew Module tested for re-entry, parachutes and heat protection; Service Module supplies power and life support.
Support
Control centre, astronaut training, pad changes at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, and recovery and communication networks.
Exam angle
- Stages: S200, L110, C25.