INTRODUCTION
- The ‘heaviest’ Semi-Cryogenic Propellent Tank (SC120-LOX) ever constructed by the state-run aerospace corporation Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) was handed to the Indian Space Research Organisation on October 7, 2021.
- Hindustan Aeronautics produced the world’s ‘largest’ cryogenic liquid hydrogen tank (C32-LH2) far ahead of time in 2020. The tank has a diameter of four metres and a length of eight metres.
- For the last five decades, HAL has been a key and trusted partner of ISRO, collaborating on important space programmes with India’s Space Agency.
HAL’S TECHNOLOGY –
- The SC120 stage includes the semi cryo-liquid oxygen (LOX) tank, which is the first developing welded hardware. The tank is designed to replace the 110 stage in the current Mk-III launch vehicle in order to increase payload.
- HAL has mastered the art of fabricating propellant tanks.
- Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. claims to have mastered the technologies and abilities needed to fabricate welded propellant tanks, claiming that the company’s Aerospace Division has supplied 244 propellant tanks and 95 water tanks to ISRO too far.
- The tanks were provided to India’s space agency for GSLV Mk-II, PSLV, and GSLV Mk-III space programmes with diameters of 2.1, 2.8, and 4 metres and lengths ranging from 2.5 metres to 8.0 metres.
ISRO AND HAL PARTNERSHIP –
- For the last five decades, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd has collaborated with the Indian Space Research Organisation. The state-owned firm has provided key structures, satellite structures, and tankages for the GSLV-Mk II, GSLV-Mk III, and PSLV launch vehicles during this time.
- HAL has also aided ISRO in the creation of the Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment, as well as the PAD abort test for crew escape for the Human Space Mission.
- Currently, the firm is delivering hardware for the Gaganyaan Programme’s full-fledged launch vehicle, the GSLV Mk-III.
- Hindustan Aerospace Limited is also working on a number of new projects, including cryo and semi-cryo engine production, semi-cryo structure fabrication, and PS2/GS2 fabrication, for which the commissioning and installation of unique infrastructures is nearing completion.
