ISRO Chairman Somanath emphasized the complexity of the upcoming rocket and the development of high-end technology

Sriharikota: S. Somanath, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), announced that the project team has submitted the project report for the next generation rocket. The next step is to seek government funds for the project.

The project report for the next generation rocket has been submitted by the project team and the next stage is to seek government funds, said S Somanath, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

He also said internal discussions are on about the next moon mission – Chandrayaan-4 as to what it should achieve differently that was not done by others.

Speaking to the reporters here after the successful orbiting of the country’s latest weather satellite INSAT-3DS Somanath said: "The project team of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) has submitted its report."

The project team has also estimated the cost. The next stage is to approach the government for funds and also establish the mechanism for development along with the private industry.

The rocket design work is underway.

The next generation rocket will be partially reusable and will have a carrying capacity of about 10 tonnes to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

Currently, ISRO's heaviest rocket LVM3 has a carrying capacity of four ton.

Queried about the next Moon mission, Somanath said it has to achieve something new that was not done earlier by others, say "bringing a lunar sample back using a robot".

"It will be a complex rocket and high-end technology is being developed. We are working on some novel design," he said while underlining the requirement for funds.

Somanath, however, ruled out categorically that India-US collaboration earth observation satellite NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) will be used for surveillance.

He said the NISAR will be used only for earth observation and focus will be on the Earth as a system.
As to the status of other weather satellites like INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR, Somanath said the INSAT-3D launched in 2013 will be put to a different use.

On the status of the country's human space mission, Somanath said 2024 will be the year of Gaganyaan for ISRO as it will be carrying out various tests and other activities to realise the country's manned space mission in 2025.

Somanath said ISRO will be carrying out two more abort missions in 2024. Last year, the space agency carried out the first Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1) to demonstrate the crew escape system.

One Test Vehicle Is Ready

According to him, ISRO will carry out two unmanned missions, helicopter drop test, launchpad abort tests and several others.

Internal Discussions On Chandrayaan-4

Additionally, Somanath mentioned that internal discussions are ongoing regarding the next moon mission, Chandrayaan-4. The focus is on determining its unique objectives that differentiate it from previous missions.

Development Progress of Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)

Following the successful orbiting of the country's latest weather satellite INSAT-3DS, Somanath stated that the project team for the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) has submitted its report. The team has also estimated the cost, and the next stage involves approaching the government for funds and establishing a mechanism for development in collaboration with the private industry. (Also Read: Elon Musk's X Bans Over 2 Lakh Accounts In India For Policy Violations)

Advancements In Rocket Design

The design work for the next generation rocket is currently in progress. The rocket is expected to be partially reusable and capable of carrying about 10 tonnes to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). This represents a significant increase in capacity compared to ISRO's current heaviest rocket, LVM3, which has a carrying capacity of four tonnes.

Innovation And Funding Requirements

Somanath emphasized the complexity of the upcoming rocket and the development of high-end technology. He stressed the necessity for adequate funding to support these innovations.

Scope of Collaboration And Mission Objectives

Somanath clarified that the India-US collaboration earth observation satellite NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) will solely focus on earth observation and will not be used for surveillance purposes. (Also Read: OpenAI Can't Register GPT As Trademark, Rules US Patent Office)

Future Plans And Mission Timeline

Regarding other weather satellites like INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR, Somanath mentioned plans for repurposing INSAT-3D, launched in 2013. Somanath highlighted that 2024 will be a crucial year for ISRO's human space mission, Gaganyaan, as various tests and activities will be conducted to realize the mission in 2025. This includes two abort missions, unmanned missions, helicopter drop tests, launchpad abort tests, and others.