The Integrated Cryogenic Engine Manufacturing Facility (ICMF) of HAL was officially opened today by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu noted that it was a momentous occasion not just for HAL and ISRO but also for all of India. “India is the sixth nation in the world to have the ability to manufacture cryogenic engines. We know that HAL and ISRO will play a significant role in the future because of their illustrious pasts, she remarked.
Additionally, the President toured the HAL plant. She essentially lay the cornerstone for NIV Bengaluru’s Zonal Institute of Virology (South Zone). Those in attendance included Karnataka’s Chief Minister, Mr. Basavaraj Bommai, as well as the state’s Governor, Mr. Thaawarchand Gehlot.
Mr. Bommai referred to Bengaluru as “Space City” and stated that Karnataka continued to support the growth of science and technology projects in the state in order to realise the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” vision. The state contributed the majority of the manufacturing activities for space and defence in the nation.
Speaking at the event was Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare. There was Dr. Sudhakar K, the government of Karnataka’s minister of health, family welfare, and medical education.
Only with the assistance of HAL, which has demonstrated the ability to flawlessly absorb complex space technology, can India become a superpower in rocket technology, according to Mr. Somanath S, Secretary, Dept of Space and Chairman of ISRO. Because of this, ISRO is sure that all rocket manufacturing will take place at HAL’s site, he continued. The group was welcomed by Mr. C. B. Ananthakrishnan, the CMD of HAL.
What is a Cryogenic Engine?
The most common type of engine used in launch vehicles worldwide is a cryogenic engine. Due to the cryogenic engine’s complexity, only a few number of nations—the United States, France, Japan, China, and Russia—have achieved technological mastery. India became the sixth nation to build cryogenic engines on January 5, 2014, when it successfully launched the GSLV-D5 with a cryogenic engine (manufactured by ISRO through private firms). Future space exploration will mostly rely on cryogenic technology.
What is the purpose of HAL’s ICMF?
The building will house all of ISRO’s rocket engine manufacturing needs under one roof. The factory will increase domestic production of high-thrust rocket engines.
For the purpose of producing cryogenic (CE20) and semi-cryogenic (SE2000) engines for Indian space launch vehicles, a facility with a total area of 4500 square metres is put up.
When did the HAL’s ICMF Start?
An MOU was inked in 2013 between HAL’s Aerospace Division and ISRO to develop a facility for the production of cryogenic engine modules. In order to establish the Integrated Cryogenic Engine Manufacturing Facility (ICMF) with a Rs. 208 crore investment, the MOU for the Cryogenic Engine facility was subsequently revised in 2016.
All necessary equipment for manufacture and assembly has been installed and is ready for use. Preparation of the process plans, drawings, quality plan, and other pre-production tasks has already started. By March 2023, HAL will begin realising the modules.
Key Features of HAL’s ICMF:
The liquid propellant tanks and launch vehicle structures for the PSLV, GSLV MK-II, and GSLV Mk-III, as well as stage integration for the GSLV Mk-II, are produced by the HAL Aerospace Division. A significant development in the advancement and modernisation of technology is the Aerospace Division’s entry into the fabrication of cryogenic engines.
The President of India officially launched the Integrated Cryogenic Engine Manufacturing Facility (ICMF) of HAL today. Smt. Droupadi Murmu stated that it was a historic occasion not just for HAL and ISRO but for the entire country of India. The sixth country in the world to be able to produce cryogenic engines is India. Because of their storied pasts, we know that HAL and ISRO will play a key role in the future.
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