7-Ton Upgrade: Why The RD-191M Deal, Set For Putin’s India Trip, Will Revolutionise Chandrayaan Missions | India News
In a major development marking a new high in Indo-Russian defense and space cooperation, Moscow has accepted 100% Technology Transfer of the highly advanced RD-191M semi-cryogenic rocket engine to the Indian Space Research Organisation. If the deal is finalized, it would be a tremendous leap forward for the latter’s space program.
Here’s a breakdown of why this technology transfer is critical to India’s space ambitions:
Understanding the RD-191M Engine
Add Zee News as Preferred Source
RD-191M is an advanced semi-cryogenic engine from Russia. Semi-cryogenic engines do not use liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen like fully cryogenic engines; Instead, they operate using Liquid Oxygen (LOX) as the oxidizer and refined Kerosene (RP-1) as the fuel.
The signature feature of the RD-191M is its enormous power: a single engine is estimated to develop approximately 192 tonnes of thrust. Currently, Russia uses various engines from this family to power its advanced Angara series rockets.
Strategic and Operational Benefits for ISRO
ISRO plans to use this latest technology to further strengthen its heavy lift operational rocket called Launch Vehicle Mark-3, popularly known as GSLV Mk3. LVM3 now carries the locally developed CE-20 cryogenic engine powering its upper stage, but the use of powerful semi-cryogenic engines such as RD-191M in the core or lower stages will increase the overall lift capability of the rocket.
This strategic upgrade will significantly reduce India’s dependence on foreign space agencies to launch its heaviest satellites. This move will also strengthen its position in the commercial space market as ISRO will be able to launch heavy payloads for other countries and hence reap many economic benefits.
Huge Increase in Load Capacity
The integration of RD-191M technology is expected to provide an immediate and significant performance boost to India’s launch vehicles.
Current Capacity: Currently LVM3 is capable of carrying approximately 4.2 tons of payload to a Geostationary Transfer Orbit.
Future Capacity: GTO payload capacity is expected to increase significantly with RD-191M engine technology, reaching between 6.5 and 7 tons, and the additional lift capacity is expected to be approximately 2.5 to 3 tons per launch.
Increased capacity is required to deploy next-generation heavy communications satellites and undertake ambitious interplanetary missions such as future Chandrayaan expeditions and human spaceflight program Gaganyaan.
Domestic Production and Timeline
A critical part of this agreement is that it will realize the ‘Make in India’ vision in high-tech space manufacturing. It is stated in the media that these engines will be produced in the country. HAL and ISRO will start working on establishing a new and dedicated production facility for these engines.
With 100 percent technology transfer, India will not only become self-reliant in this critical area but will also have the potential to export these advanced engines to other countries in the future. This will place India in the elite league of countries, alongside Russia, the US and China, that have the capacity to develop semi-cryogenic engines.
Outlook for the Future (2026-2030) Final negotiations between the two countries are ongoing. Technology transfer is likely to begin around 2026-27. ISRO plans to have India’s fully developed semi-cryogenic engine ready by 2030. ISRO scientists are quite optimistic about the development as the RD-191M will give a rapid boost to India’s future heavy lift rocket capabilities and manned space programmes.
READ ALSO | Putin Arrives Today: Prime Minister Modi Dinner Begins Important Talks on Su-57 Fighter Jets and Interim Solutions to Sanctions | Know the Itinerary
