What is Cryogenic stage for India?

Prelims : General Science.
Mains : GS 2 Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

Highlights of Cryogenic stage

The cryogenic stage and the entire launch vehicle’s readiness is closer to fruition after the engine, technically called CE20, passed the ‘high altitude flight acceptance test’ lasting about 25 seconds at Mahendragiri in mid-December. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to fly its new launch vehicle powered by this new engine around March, and send the 3,200 kg GSAT-19 communication satellite to space on it. MkIII, when it completes trials and commences functioning in the coming years, will double ISRO’s lifting power for communications satellites to 4,000 kilos. The cryogenic stage is vital for a GSLV rocket as it gets its final and biggest push in space from this stage; it can take a big communications satellite to higher reaches of 36,000 km above ground.

The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (Launch Vehicle Mark 3, LVM3 or GSLV-III)

    LVM 3 is a heavy launch capability launcher being developed by ISRO. It is intended to launch satellites into geostationary orbit and as a launcher for an Indian crew vehicle. It will allow India to achieve complete self reliance in launching satellites as it will be capable of placing 4 tonne class Geosynchronous satellites into orbit. The LVM3 will have an Indian built cryogenic stage with higher capacity than GSLV.

Cryogenics rocket Engine

A cryogenic rocket engine is a rocket engine that uses a cryogenic fuel or oxidizer, that is, its fuel or oxidizer (or both) are gases liquefied and stored at very low temperatures.

Prelims perspective

Similar Questions [UPSC Prelims 2016]

With reference to `Astrosat’, the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space.
Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

[shc_shortcode class=”shc_mybox”]Solution: D[/shc_shortcode]

Mains perspective.

    Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its Socio-economic development? [UPSC Mains 2016]

Sources: The Hindu ISRO Wikipedia Wikipedia