ISRO Chairman S Somanath has inaugurated advanced propellant tank production and computer numerical control (CNC) machining facilities at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Aerospace Division. This development significantly enhances India’s rocket manufacturing capabilities.
HAL’s new facilities, inaugurated by ISRO Chairman S Somanath, are a direct response to ISRO’s increasing production needs, particularly for the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), India’s heaviest and most powerful rocket. With the current capacity supporting only two LVM3 launches per year, the demand for six annual launches is a significant challenge. However, these new facilities will equip HAL to produce the critical components required, thereby supporting the production of six LVM3 rockets per year.
Somanath emphasised HAL’s vast capabilities and the importance of leveraging this potential to benefit both organisations. “HAL will play a larger role in ISRO’s future missions and should focus on emerging technologies, designing challenges, and taking up end-to-end tasks to ease pressure on ISRO,” he stated.
HAL’s Chairman and Managing Director (Additional Charge), C B Ananthakrishnan, highlighted the collaborative efforts with ISRO, which are expected to accelerate human spaceflight missions and the development of Next-Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV). He mentioned that HAL is committed to further investments to fully realise its potential in space programs, envisioning a future where space becomes a significant vertical for HAL.
The new propellant tank production facility, a key component of the HAL’s Aerospace Division, will specialise in manufacturing high-performance fuel and oxidiser tanks. These tanks, crucial for the LVM3 launch vehicle, will have dimensions reaching four meters in diameter and up to 15 meters in length. Additionally, the machining facility is equipped with advanced CNC machines capable of handling high-precision fabrication of 4.5-meter class rings and propellant tank domes for the LVM3.
These advancements mark a substantial step forward in India’s space capabilities, positioning HAL as a key player in supporting ISRO’s ambitious missions.
Team BharatShakti
