New Delhi, Nov 18 : Larsen and Toubro have delivered a Booster Segment, the first hardware for the Gaganyaan Mission to ISRO. The company has delivered the module ahead of schedule. The booster segment is 8.5 metres in length, has a diameter of 3.2 metres and weighs 5.5 tonnes.

 

The Booster segment is actually an engine or can also be a booster rocket. It is either the first stage of a multi stage rocket or a shorter burning rocket used to augment the take off thrust of the space vehicle. In simple words, the booster segments solve two purposes; firstly, in Low Earth Orbit rockets, these segments are used to launch a space craft and secondly, they act as thrust providers when the mission is beyond low earth orbit.

 

Gaganyaan is an Indian Human Spaceflight Programme that is to carry three astronauts to space. It is the first crewed mission of India. In the particular scenario of the Gaganyaan Mission, which aims to send astronauts to Low Earth Orbit (400 km), the booster segment is used to launch a space craft. ISRO’s GSLV Mk III launch vehicle will be used for the mission.

 

L&T has provided two S200 solid rocket boosters. S200 is a high thrust solid propellant strap on booster, which will provide huge thrust that is required for the lift off. The Booster Segment was produced at L&T Powai Aerospace Manufacturing Unit located in Mumbai. L&T plays a vital role in the Gaganyaan Mission and has been a partner of ISRO for over fifty years. L&T was a part of Mangalyaan and Chandrayaan missions as well.