The Indian Space research Organization(ISRO), on Thursday, announced the successful test-fire of its Vikas(Vikram A Sarabhai) Engine or the Core stage L110 Engine of its heaviest operational rocket – the GSLV Mk 3. While this engine and the rocket comprising it have flown several times in the past, the test is part of a series of new evaluations. They are meant to ensure the human-rating of the rocket. Simply put, ISRO is working on converting its Cargo-carrying Rocket into a reliable human-carrier, meant for astronauts. Chairman, ISRO, Dr. K. Sivan, revealed this and much more in an Exclusive Conversation with Zee Media.
The fundamental difference in carrying satellites and humans to space is that satellite missions are about carrying more payload(heavy satellite or multiple small satellites) to orbit. Whereas, Human spaceflight is about ensuring fail-safe, reliable flight of astronauts, even if the rocket is not carrying its maximum payload. Once launched by a…