Pradeep's Space Newsletter #42
First commercial success for LVM3, Solar eclipses and on India's space priorities.
When an LVM3 Flies, What Does It Mean for India?
I wrote this piece for The Wire Science. It was published on October 30, 2022. In the article, I argue that while the LVM3 has proven reliability, it needs to sort out production issues and needs more support from the government.
ISRO Updates
LVM3 M2 / OneWeb India-1 Mission
The GSLVMk-III/LVM3 successfully placed the first batch of 36 satellites in orbit for OneWeb on October 23, 2022.
CE20 Cryogenic Engine for the next mission of LVM3 tested for acceptance.
The cryogenic engine used in the third stage of the GSLV Mk-III/LVM3 was tested at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Center (LPSC), Mahendragiri. This engine is for the second commercial launch of the LVM3 that will carry the second batch of 36 satellites for OneWeb.
Indian Space Tweets
I enjoyed seeing the animation of the satellite deployment that ISRO showed on the live stream. This is from the LVM3 M2 mission for OneWeb.
News Updates
Times of India - As GSLV-Mk3 goes commercial, work on semi-cryo picks up pace
Times of India - TN gets set for a lift-off
Business Today - ISRO chief calls on India Inc. to partner with it on reusable rocket programme
NDTV - ISRO Plans Gaganyaan Mission's 1st Test Flight In February 2023: Report
Moon Monday #100 - Chandrayaan 3 slowed down by one web of perplexing priorities
Moon Monday #101 - ISRO really did delay Chandrayaan 3 for OneWeb
The Stellina #17 - End of India’s Mars mission