India joined 'Cryo Club' with successful launch of GSLV-D5; 6th spacefarer to develop a cryogenic engine

January 11, 2014

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its heavy-duty rocket Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-D5 (GSLV-D5) from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh and placed communication satellite GSAT-14 into orbit.

GSAT-14 is India’s 23rd geostationary satellites built by ISRO. It has a life span of 12 years. The 1,982 kg satellite carries six extended C-band and Ku-band transponders (receivers and transmitters of signals), and two Ka-band becons. The satellite will be used for telemedicine and tele-education services.
The mission cost India Rs. 365 crore – Rs. 220 crore for the rocket and Rs. 145 crore for the satellite.

About ISRO’s indigenous cryogenic engine GSLV-D5 rocket

Powered by an indigenous cryogenic engine, injected into orbit a telecommunication satellite, GSAT-14.
It is the first successful flight of the indigenous cryogenic engine.
The GSLV is a three-stage engine rocket. The first stage is fired with solid fuel, the second with liquid fuel and the third is the cryogenic engine.
A cryogenic engine is more efficient as it provides more thrust for every kilogram of propellant burnt. Cryogenic fuels are extremely clean as they give out only water while burning.
A cryogenic engine uses liquid oxygen at -253^oC and liquid hydrogen at -183^oC and can develop the thrust needed in the final state of the rocket to put satellites, weighing two tonnes or more, into a geosynchronous orbit.
It is essential to master this technology for any space power as launching heavier satellites requires cryogenic engines even in the lower stages of the rocket.
After this launch, India joined the “Cryo Club” and became the sixth spacefarer after US, Russia, the European Space Agency, China and Japan to develop a cryogenic engine — a necessity for interplanetary probes and manned space missions.

Note: GSAT is a telecommunication satellite which will be used for tele-education, tele- medicine, village resource centre, disaster management and part of public broadcasting services.

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