Reusable rockets ISRO's 10-yr plan

Chennai: Stepping into 2021, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has chalked out its decadal plan which includes development of a heavy lift rocket, reusable satellite launch vehicle, semi-cryogenic engine, and others, said a top official.

In the short term, the space agency has to realise the first developmental flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) operational Geo-Imaging capability, the third moon mission Chandrayaan-3, the first solar mission Aditya-L1, and the first Indian Data Relay Satellite.

"The first unmanned flight under the Gaganyaan Programme is another significant milestone to be achieved this year," ISRO Chairman K. Sivan, who is also Secretary, Department of Space, ISRO said.

In his New Year message, he said all the centres/units of ISRO have actively contributed to the formulation of the decadal plan. Sivan said: "In this decade, the VSSC (Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre), the lead centre for space transportation systems, will carry forward its competence in launch vehicle development towards heavy lift capabilities, achieving partial & full reusability and achieving progress in scramjet engine research."