GSLV Mk III to have perfectly optimised structure: VSSC chief

Cryogenic launch vehicle GSLV Mk III will have a perfectly optimised structure, according to S Ramakrishnan, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) here.

He said this while speaking at the inaugural of the two-day seminar on ‘Aerospace structure technologies – Progress and outlook’ organised by the local branch of Aeronautical Society of India.

When man is sent to outer space, the structure should be made most reliable, Ramakrishnan said.

Facilities such as a double-walled and vacuum-jacketed chamber would ensure a sense of safety and reliability for the passenger on board.

Precision and reliability of structures play a vital role both in spacecraft and launch vehicle designs, he added.

Indian Space Research Organisation has optimised the structural designs of launch vehicles and spacecraft over time.

PS Nair, Expert Adviser, National Aersopace Laboratories, and a former deputy director of ISRO Satellite Centre, outlined the need for high-performance and failure-tolerant structures for aerospace applications.

Though different types of composites contribute greatly in aircraft manufacture, parts built using light-weight metals like aluminium and lithium are fast gaining popularity, he said in his keynote.

“They are more efficient in terms of both costs performance than composites. They are also safer and better crashworthy and least prone to damage,” he added.

The country should initiate projects for mastering such frontier technologies for its own use. It will help cut down on high prices and beat lead time.

Earlier, EK Bharat Bhushan, Chief Secretary, inaugurated the seminar. He said that the country was on a threshold of rapid development on all areas of science.

“Specifically, since our air trips per capita per annum are far lesser than many of our neighbouring countries especially China, our civil aviation sector has a huge potential for development.”

He also underlined the need for a marriage of technology with business prospects for cutting costs and enhancing services.

As the budget allocation for defence is slated for a substantial increase in the coming years, the aerospace sector should grab this opportunity to better their technological tools.

P Ratnakara Rao, Chairman of the Thiruvananthapuram branch of the Society, and a Deputy Director with VSSC welcomed the gathering.

John P Zachariah, Director (R&D), VSSC, released a souvenir while PP Mohanlal, Director, ISRO Inertial Systems Unit, offered felicitations.