All the structural assemblies and propellant tankages of GSLV Mk III – India’s heaviest rocket launched yesterday – were produced here at HAL’s Aerospace Division. HAL produced the tallest ever Pay Load Fairing which protected all the sensitive crucial equipment during the launch phase.
Mr. T. Suvarna Raju, CMD, HAL said HAL’s Aerospace Division is the only facility available in the country that manufactures such huge space worthy complex structures. “We congratulate Space Voyagers of India – Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for its successful launch”, he added.
Twenty types of riveted structure, six types of welded structure and GSAT-19 bus structure were manufactured at Aerospace Division of HAL and delivered in time for the historic GSLV MKIII D1 mission. The fabrication of the composite OPLF Heat shield (Ogive Payload Load Fairing) which is five meters in diameter and 11 meters in height is a significant achievement.
HAL and ISRO have five decade old partnership which is growing stronger by the day. HAL contributes significantly to ISRO programs – PSLV, GSLV Mk II and GSLV Mk III – by way of supplying light alloy structures, tankages and satellite bus bars.
HAL has acquired new capabilities and modernized its facilities continuously over time to develop next generation hardware for the future space missions. Currently the booster rockets of GSLV MKII integrated by HAL are used directly on the launch pad.
HAL delivered eighteen structures and propellant tankages to the prestigious Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) launched on November 5, 2013 ahead of delivery schedule. HAL will continue to participate and support the ambitious Indian Space Programs and is on track to become one stop destination for space hardware.