Coimbatore firm develops stage mounting adaptor for Isro's semi-cryogenic propulsion project

COIMBATORE: A Coimbatore-based firm has developed a stage mounting adaptor (SMA) for the semi-cryogenic propulsion project at the Isro Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri. The component was officially handed over to IPRC on Monday.
The SMA was developed at a cost of Rs 2.50 crore by Shri Venkateswara Hi-Tech Machineries Private Limited in Coimbatore. The company's directors, T Kalimuthu, T Ramachandran and T Govindaraju, handed over the component to Dr T Ramesh, Deputy Director, ESTE, ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri.
Speaking at the event, Ramesh explained that the SMA is an intermediate structural member used to interface the rocket stage with the test stand structure. It transfers the thrust generated by the rocket stage to the test bay during ground testing.
The SMA, which measures six metre in diameter and weighs approximately 24 tonne, was fabricated with high precision. It will be used in the high-thrust rocket engine test facility known as the Semi-Cryogenic Integrated Engine Stage Test Facility (SIET), he said.
Highlighting the significance of the component, Ramesh said it plays a crucial role in advancing Isro’s capabilities. "Currently, we use the GSLV LVM3 launch vehicle to deploy satellites. This vehicle relies on liquid propulsion in its core stage (L110), which contributes to environmental pollution due to the emission of combustion byproducts," he explained.
"As an alternative, Isro is developing a semi-cryogenic engine that operates on a liquid oxygen (LOX) and kerosene propellant combination. We are working on the first stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3). The stage mounting adaptor is an essential component to test this stage," he added.