Godrej Delivers Human-Rated Vikas Engine for Gaganyaan

India’s human spaceflight programme gained momentum as Godrej Aerospace delivered the first human-rated L110 stage Vikas engine to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The engine will power the LVM-3 launch vehicle that will carry Indian astronauts under the Gaganyaan mission, marking a major milestone in the country’s space capabilities.

Significance of the Human-Rated Vikas Engine

The human-rated L110 Vikas engine is engineered to meet stringent safety and reliability standards required for crewed missions. It forms a crucial part of the LVM-3’s core stage, ensuring stable propulsion during ascent. This delivery marks an essential step towards meeting ISRO’s timelines for upcoming uncrewed and crewed flight tests.

Progress of the Gaganyaan Programme

The first uncrewed test flight of Gaganyaan is scheduled for early next year. This mission will validate systems including crew escape mechanisms, flight stability, and module recovery. ISRO aims to send the first group of Indian astronauts to low Earth orbit in 2027 using an entirely home-built launch system, placing India among a select group of nations with independent human spaceflight capability.

Role of Godrej in India’s Space Ecosystem

Godrej Aerospace has supported India’s space programme for more than four decades. It has supplied engines and precision components for major missions such as Chandrayaan and the NISAR Earth-observation initiative. The company’s leadership highlighted the delivery as a matter of national pride and reaffirmed its long-standing collaboration with ISRO and the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.

Exam Oriented Facts

• LVM-3 is India’s heaviest operational rocket and the launch vehicle for Gaganyaan.
• The Vikas engine is a liquid-fuelled engine developed with French collaboration in the 1970s.
• Gaganyaan aims to send a three-member Indian crew to low Earth orbit for up to three days.
• India will become the fourth nation to conduct independent human spaceflight.

Path Ahead for India’s Human Spaceflight

With the human-rated engine now delivered, ISRO will integrate and test the L110 stage for forthcoming missions. Parallel work on crew training, life-support systems, and module recovery continues, positioning Gaganyaan as a defining milestone for India’s space ambitions.