ISRO Chief: 95% of Rocket Components Made in India for Chandrayaan 3 Mission
September 26, 2023 09:32 pm | Updated September 27, 2023 12:19 am IST – New Delhi
ISRO chief S. Somanath. File
Photo Credit: The Hindu
India Achieves Self-Reliance in Rocket Manufacturing
In a remarkable development, nearly 95% of the components used in rockets, including those for the upcoming Chandrayaan 3 mission, are now being locally produced in India. The Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), S Somanath, revealed this during the Foundation Day celebrations of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in New Delhi. This achievement is the result of several years of collaboration and cooperation between ISRO, Indian industries, and various agencies. The focus has been on material indigenisation, technological capabilities, and research.
Indigenous Lithium-Ion Batteries for Space Applications
The self-reliance in rocket manufacturing has led to the establishment of a robust and capable industry in India. One significant example of this is ISRO’s development of its own lithium-ion batteries for space applications. These batteries, which also have diverse applications ranging from electric cars to portable devices, are being transferred to the industry. It highlights the technological advancements made by ISRO and the successful integration of research and development efforts with Indian industries.
Minimizing Dependence on Imports
ISRO’s emphasis on self-sufficiency is evident in its approach towards minimizing imports. For the Chandrayaan 3 mission, only about 5% of high-end electronics were imported, primarily consisting of certain specialized components. The majority of key components, such as the microprocessor chip in the launch vehicle, were manufactured domestically at Chandigarh’s Semi Conductor Laboratory (SCL). This reduction in dependence on imports is a significant achievement for ISRO and showcases its commitment to indigenization and self-reliance.
Industry’s Contributions to Space Exploration
In his address at the ceremony, S Somanath highlighted that the progress made by ISRO demonstrates the establishment of a capable industry that can support space exploration. He emphasized that while the technology used may not be as advanced as a supercomputer, it is sufficient to safely launch and propel rockets into space. The indigenously developed battery systems, storage units, and solar cells have enabled ISRO to accomplish remarkable feats over the years.
Recognizing Outstanding Scientists
During the event, the winners of the CSIR-Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar prizes were felicitated. These prizes are awarded annually to recognize scientists under the age of 45 who have made exceptional contributions in their respective fields. The Ministry of Science and Technology and Vice-President of CSIR, Jitendra Singh, highlighted the organization’s commitment to not only fulfill national aspirations but also contribute to India’s socio-economic growth. This commitment is reflected in the continued efforts to lead and drive significant changes in the Indian scientific landscape.
In conclusion, India’s achievement in manufacturing nearly 95% of the components for rockets, including those for the Chandrayaan 3 mission, demonstrates the nation’s strides towards self-reliance in the field of space exploration. The collaborative efforts between ISRO, Indian industries, and various agencies have been instrumental in this achievement. Not only has India successfully indigenized materials and technologies but it has also established a capable industry capable of supporting space exploration. This development signifies India’s commitment to reducing import dependence and emphasizes its ability to contribute to the global scientific community. With the recognition of outstanding scientists through prestigious awards, India’s scientific community is poised to make even greater contributions in the future.