Self-reliance in space transportation systems: Jitendra Singh

New Delhi: India has achieved self-reliance in space transportation systems and can launch satellites up to 10 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 4.2 tonnes to Geo-Synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), said Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, in the Parliament on Wednesday.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Singh shared that the feat has been achieved through the currently operational PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3 launch vehicles.

“These launch vehicles have enabled independent space access to satellites for earth observation, communication, navigation, and space exploration. In order to enhance the launch vehicle capabilities towards meeting the expanded space vision, the government has approved the development of a Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), which will provide a maximum payload capability of 30 tons to Low Earth Orbit,” Singh said.

“Towards achieving low-cost access to space, reusable launch vehicle technologies are also being developed, including a partially reusable variant of NGLV with 14 tonnes payload capability to LEO. Another development is of a winged body upper stage which will fly back from the orbit to the Earth and autonomously land on a runway,” he added.

The Minister further informed that ISRO has undertaken the development of a high-thrust (2000kN) semi-cryogenic engine for inducting in the LVM3 vehicle.

addition, an environmentally friendly methane-based propulsion system for a high-thrust engine is also being conceptualised for NGLV.

The “development of an air-breathing propulsion system is underway towards a Dual-Fuel Scramjet engine”, Singh said.

He also mentioned the current status of Gaganyaan, India's human spaceflight programme, and the timelines fixed for crewed missions.

Gaganyaan mission, which aims to demonstrate indigenous human spaceflight capability to LEO, is expected to launch the first crewed mission in 2027-28.