India has yet again reached another milestone in research and development with the preparations of the launch of their satellite-carrying rocket GSLV. The rocket has been developed before as well but now some changes have been made and thus this time the iteration of the development is called development 3 or D3”.
This development iteration of India’s rocket uses a much more advanced and powerful heat shield. The requirement of a more powerful heat-shield than previous rockets makes the possibility of carrying heavier payload. This could be advantageous for many reasons, for instance, a satellite with a lot more equipment can be sent into space which could prove to be a portal for better communication.
Previous launches of satellite rockets had thinner heat shield than the latest installment. The last rocket sent into space by India had a 3.4 meter diameter heat shield which was made by Aluminum alloy. The GSLV-D3 has a 4 meter diameter heat shield that’s made of Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP). This type of material allows for a lighter heat shield but stronger heat resistance, allowing for heavier payload capacity and lower fuel consumption.
Production of the FRP required special molding techniques that India developed through rigorous research. But at the end the most advanced heat shield has been developed. Now the satellites that required stripping down of equipment to be fitted into the rocket could be sent without sacrifice of satellite size. This is definitely a point that other countries need to learn from India.
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