Daily Current Affairs : 19-December-2024

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) has begun the assembly of the Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM-3), a critical step in its Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send humans into space. This uncrewed flight is an essential part of the preparations for the first crewed mission.

What is HLVM-3?

The Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM-3) is a modified version of ISRO’s LVM3 rocket, specifically designed to safely carry humans to space. Unlike previous launch vehicles, HLVM-3 is tailored to meet the stringent safety and reliability requirements needed for human spaceflight.

Key Features of HLVM-3
  • Three-Stage Design: The rocket is made up of three stages—solid, liquid, and cryogenic—providing the necessary power and flexibility to transport humans and cargo into space.
  • Payload Capacity: HLVM-3 can carry up to 10 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which is sufficient to transport crew modules and other essential equipment.
  • Size and Weight: The vehicle stands at an impressive 53 meters tall and weighs around 640 tonnes, making it one of the largest and most powerful rockets developed by ISRO.
  • Crew Escape System (CES): This critical safety feature ensures the astronauts’ safety during launch. The system is active until atmospheric flight separation, enabling an escape in case of an emergency.
Differences from Other ISRO Launch Vehicles

HLVM-3 differs from other rockets developed by ISRO, like PSLV or GSLV, in several important ways:

  • Human-Rated: HLVM-3 is specifically built with enhanced safety and reliability features to support human missions. It includes redundant systems that are not necessary for cargo flights.
  • Crew Escape System: This system is unique to the HLVM-3 and is essential for crewed missions. It is not present in other rockets like PSLV or GSLV.
  • Payload and Design: The rocket’s design is optimized to carry crewed modules, including life-support systems, which is not the primary function of rockets like PSLV or GSLV.
Significance for India’s Space Future

HLVM-3 is not just a step toward the Gaganyaan mission but also a precursor to the development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). The technology and data gathered from this mission will be vital in the future development of India’s own space station, marking a significant milestone in India’s space exploration journey.

Important Points:
  • HLVM-3 is a human-rated version of ISRO’s LVM3 rocket, designed for the Gaganyaan mission to carry humans into space.
  • The rocket aims to ensure safe human spaceflight with enhanced reliability and safety features.
  • Three-Stage Design: Combines solid, liquid, and cryogenic stages for efficient propulsion.
  • Payload Capacity: Can carry 10 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
  • Size and Weight: Stands at 53 meters tall and weighs 640 tonnes.
  • Crew Escape System (CES): Ensures astronaut safety during launch, operational until atmospheric flight separation.
  • HLVM-3 is human-rated, featuring redundant systems and safety measures not found in other ISRO rockets like PSLV or GSLV.
  • The rocket’s design is optimized for carrying crew modules with life-support systems.
  • HLVM-3 is a key precursor for the development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), providing critical data and technology.
Why In News

ISRO has initiated the assembly of the Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM-3) for Gaganyaan’s first uncrewed flight, marking a significant milestone in India’s space exploration journey as the country prepares for its first crewed mission to space. This uncrewed flight will test the rocket’s capabilities and safety features, laying the foundation for the safe transport of astronauts in future missions.

MCQs about ISRO’s HLVM-3:Paving the Way for India’s Crewed Space Missions
  1. What is the primary purpose of the Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM-3)?
    A. To carry satellites to geostationary orbit
    B. To enable safe human spaceflight for India’s Gaganyaan mission
    C. To replace the PSLV and GSLV rockets
    D. To develop space tourism capabilities
    Correct Answer: B. To enable safe human spaceflight for India’s Gaganyaan mission
    Explanation: The HLVM-3 is specifically designed to carry humans into space for the Gaganyaan mission, with a focus on safety and reliability.
  2. Which of the following is a key feature of the Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM-3)?
    A. Single-stage design
    B. Payload capacity of 10 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit
    C. Ability to carry cargo to Mars
    D. Powered only by solid fuel
    Correct Answer: B. Payload capacity of 10 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit
    Explanation: The HLVM-3 can carry up to 10 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which is crucial for transporting crew modules and other essential equipment for human missions.
  3. How does the HLVM-3 differ from other ISRO rockets like PSLV or GSLV?
    A. It is designed only for cargo missions
    B. It includes a Crew Escape System (CES) for astronaut safety
    C. It is powered by solar energy
    D. It does not require a launch pad for liftoff
    Correct Answer: B. It includes a Crew Escape System (CES) for astronaut safety
    Explanation: Unlike PSLV or GSLV, the HLVM-3 is equipped with a Crew Escape System (CES), which ensures astronaut safety during launch and is essential for human space missions.
  4. What is the significance of the HLVM-3 for India’s future space missions?
    A. It will be used for launching satellites into deep space
    B. It serves as a precursor for the development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)
    C. It will replace the GSLV for all future missions
    D. It is primarily designed for Mars exploration
    Correct Answer: B. It serves as a precursor for the development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)
    Explanation: The data and technology gained from the HLVM-3 will be crucial for the development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India’s own space station in the future.

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