In order to produce advanced aluminum alloy propellant tanks for the next generation launch vehicle (NGLV), the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has started the process of enlisting competent industrial partners.
An important step toward increasing private sector involvement in India’s space hardware manufacturing ecosystem is this program.
Compared to the previous 5-meter design utilized in launchers like the GSLV MK-III, the newly built NGLV tanks will have a substantially bigger diameter of 6.5 meters. The vehicle will be able to carry more cryogenic and semi-cryogenic propellants thanks to this dimensional improvement, which will increase thrust and enable deeper space missions and larger payloads.
ISRO is allegedly looking into the prospect of lowering the overall tank length through enhanced propellant density and optimized pressurization systems, despite the increase in diameter.
It is anticipated that the use of friction stir welding and high-strength aluminum-lithium alloys will increase structural integrity while lowering weight, facilitating modular manufacturing and quicker integration cycles.
The goal of the planned industrial relationship is long-term manufacturing cooperation, which will allow Indian aerospace manufacturers to use a build-to-print model to develop the NGLV tankage in accordance with ISRO’s specifications.
This is consistent with ISRO’s overarching plan to assign subsystem production to capable private companies so that the organization may concentrate on design, integration, and mission preparation.
Larger propellant tanks will directly increase the NGLV’s lift capacity, establishing it as a heavy-lift and reusable mission replacement for the GSLV MK-III. The configuration modifications help India reach its objective of more autonomy in launching payloads over ten tons into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and affordable space access.
A combination of well-known aerospace companies and up-and-coming private sector companies with demonstrated skills in precision fabrication, cryogenic hardware, and high-strength alloy welding are likely candidates for ISRO’s aluminum alloy propellant tank production cooperation.
Due to its previous involvement in the fabrication of cryogenic engine structures and propellant tanks for the GSLV MK-III, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) continues to be a leader. Another formidable competitor is Larsen & Toubro (L&T), which has proven proficiency in precision forging, friction stir welding, and large cryogenic stage manufacturing—all of which are essential for 6.5-meter tank constructions.
Given its history of creating CE-20 and Vikas engine systems, Godrej Aerospace is anticipated to continue to play a significant role. Through alloy machining and component fabrication, other private companies like Paras Defence and Walchandnagar Industries may vie for participation at the subsystem level.
Startups like Anant Aerospace and MTAR Technologies are developing their skills in pressure vessels made of aluminum-lithium alloys, which could help supply chains for tank domes and interface joints at the component level. A distributed manufacturing environment in line with ISRO’s Make-in-India goal is probably going to be fostered by the agency’s increasing interaction with medium-sized firms.
The current fabrication infrastructure will need to be retooled in order to accommodate the 6.5-meter tank configuration. Under ISRO’s design and quality control oversight, HAL’s Aerospace Division and L&T’s Coimbatore facilities are anticipated to spearhead this industrial shift, allowing for serial manufacturing for the upcoming NGLV launches in the late 2020s.
