Russia approves 100% tech transfer of semi-cryogenic engines to India
What's the story
In a major development, Russia has agreed to a 100% technology transfer of its RD-191M semi-cryogenic rocket engine to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The agreement was reached during President Vladimir Putin's visit to India. The move marks a significant step in future space cooperation between the two countries, covering several joint areas like engine development, crewed missions, orbital stations, personnel training, and rocket fuel.
Engine details
Understanding the RD-191M semi-cryogenic rocket engine
The RD-191M is an advanced semi-cryogenic engine from Russia. Unlike traditional cryogenic engines that use ultra-cold liquid hydrogen and oxygen, this one uses Liquid Oxygen (LOX) as the oxidizer and refined kerosene, RP-1, as fuel. The throttleable nature of the 'RD-191M' allows it to significantly reduce or increase its thrust mid-flight, enabling precise flight control and recovery/reuse of rocket stages.
Engine power
RD-191M's power and global usage
The RD-191M engine is about two-and-a-half times more powerful than ISRO's Indo-French Vikas engine, which delivers 60-80 tons of thrust. The 'RD-191M' can deliver between 200 and 220 tons of thrust. Variants of this engine have been used outside Russia too, like the American Antares launch vehicle (RD-181) and South Korean KSLV-1 (RD-151).
Benefits for India
How RD-191M will benefit India
India's primary heavy-lift launcher, LVM3, currently uses a combination of solid and cryogenic stages. The acquisition of RD-191M (or a variant) could significantly boost lift capacity, enabling heavier payloads to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO). This allows greater flexibility in mission design. The increased capacity is also crucial for deploying next-gen heavy communication satellites and undertaking ambitious interplanetary missions like future Chandrayaan expeditions and the human spaceflight program Gaganyaan.
Export potential
Future prospects with 100% technology transfer
With 100% technology transfer, India could also get the option to export these sophisticated engines to other countries in the future. This would put India in the league of countries such as Russia, United States and China that have the capability to develop semi-cryogenic engines. As ISRO develops powerful rockets for the future, it can use this Russian engine and associated systems to replace existing L110 or second stage of three-stage LVM3 rocket.