Bengaluru: The heaviest Semi-Cryogenic propellant tank (SC120- LOX) ever fabricated by HAL has been delivered to Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The Propellant Tank was handed over by M K Mishra, GM of Aerospace Division, HAL to T K B Kumaresh Babu, GM (LHWC), Head of the resident team of LPSC, ISRO in the presence of P Srinivasa Rao, GD(SR)-LPSC, at a function held in HAL.
The semi cryo-liquid oxygen (LOX) tank – the first developmental welded hardware is a part of the SC120 stage intended for payload enhancement by replacing the L110 stage in existing Mk-III launch vehicle. Last year, HAL had delivered the biggest ever cryogenic Liquid Hydrogen tank (C32-LH2) which is four meters in diameter and eight meters in length, much ahead of contractual schedule.
HAL has mastered the skills and technologies required for fabricating welded propellant tanks. Till date, its Aerospace Division has delivered 244 propellant tanks and 95 water tanks to ISRO for the space programmes of PSLV, GSLV Mk-II and GSLV Mk-III of diameter 2.1, 2.8 and 4 meters where the length of the tank varies from 2.5 meters to 8.0 meters.
As a strategic reliable partner HAL has been associating with ISRO for India’s prestigious space programs since last five decades. HAL has delivered critical structures, tankages, satellite structures for the PSLV, GSLV-Mk II and GSLV-Mk III launch vehicles. Various new projects like PS2/GS2 integration, Semi-cryo structure fabrication and manufacturing of cryo and semi cryo engines are being taken up at HAL, for which installation and commissioning of unique infrastructures are nearing completion.
HAL has supported ISRO right from the developmental phase of Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment, PAD Abort test for Crew Escape for Human Space Mission and is currently supplying hardware for full-fledged launch vehicle GSLV Mk-III for prestigious Gaganyaan programme.
