ISRO's SOLVE Solid Motor Ground Test
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted the first ground test of the Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE) solid motor.
This test was carried out at the Static Test Facility, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota on July 3.
Purpose of the SOLVE Solid Motor
- The SOLVE motor is crucial for conducting Gaganyaan Test Missions.
- It serves as a test platform for Integrated Parachute Tests to validate the deceleration system of Gaganyaan’s Crew Module under various conditions.
- The Crew Module in these tests reaches an altitude of 10 - 17 km and then separates from the vehicle.
- A sequence of 10 parachutes is deployed to reduce the module's velocity before it lands in the sea.
Technical Details
- The solid stage of SOLVE is derived from the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) Strap-on Motor.
- Modifications include:
- Development of a slow burn rate propellant
- Implementation of a straight nozzle with secondary injection thrust vector control
- ISRO reported that the motor's performance met expectations during the test.
Significance for the Gaganyaan Mission
- Development of the SOLVE vehicle allows flexibility in simulating various mission conditions.
- Over recent months, ISRO has conducted several relevant tests:
- Second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02)
- Behavioral study Mission MITRA in Leh, involving four Indian astronauts and interdisciplinary teams.
- The first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission was initially planned for early 2026 but has been delayed.
Gaganyaan Mission Overview
- The mission aims to demonstrate human spaceflight capabilities by launching a three-member crew.
- The crew will orbit at 400 km altitude for a three-day mission and safely return to Earth, landing in Indian sea waters.
