ISRO successfully tests human-rated HS200 solid rocket booster
The HS200 rocket booster is the human-certified version of the proven S200 rocket booster of the GSLV Mk III satellite launch vehicle, commonly known as the LVM3.
Nation First News: The Indian Space Agency, Indian Space & Research Organization (ISRO) on Friday successfully completed the static test of a human-certified solid rocket booster (HS200) for the Gaganyaan program at the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC), Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh at 7:20 AM local time.
The HS200 rocket booster is the human-certified version of the proven S200 rocket booster of the GSLV Mk III satellite launch vehicle, commonly known as the LVM3. The design and development of the HS200 booster was completed at Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram and propellant casting was completed at SDSC, Sriharikota.
The booster engine is part of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MkIII (GSLV Mk III) rocket that will launch Indian astronauts into space. The GSLV MK III missile is a three-stage vehicle. The first stage uses solid fuel, the second uses liquid fuel, and the third is the cryogenic stage, which uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.
The S200 engine – the first stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle designed to launch 4,000 kg satellites into geostationary orbit – has been configured as a seat belt rocket. The design and development of the HS200 booster was completed at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala and the fuel pour was completed at Sriharikota.
This endurance test of the launch vehicle’s first stage marks an important milestone for the Gaganyaan program. India’s first manned spaceflight mission – “Gaganyaan” – is scheduled to launch next year.
The first manned flight will involve two unmanned launches, the first of which is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2022, followed by the second launch at the end of the same year.