Ex-ISRO chief pitches for human space flight, re-usable rocket

With the successful launch of its heaviest rocket, ISRO now needs to focus on human space flight mission, further development of semi-cryogenic engine and recoverable and reusable launch system, the space agency's former chief G Madhavan Nair said.

"Couple of launches of GSLV Mark III have to be done so that we prove our reliability, and parallelly start the programme for our manned mission (human space flight) and then of course semi-cryogenic project," Nair said.

"If you want to have an eco-friendly rocket, more efficient rocket system for the future, from that point of view semi-cryogenic is very important," Nair said.

"Semi-cryogenic engine should become a replacement for some of the boosters in the days to come," he said.

According to ISRO officials, the space agency has been working on some critical technologies in recent years for the human spaceflight mission.

They said the semi-cryogenic project envisages the design and development of a 2,000 kN semi-cryogenic engine for a future heavy-lift launch vehicle. This engine uses a combination of liquid oxygen and a propellant-grade kerosene, which are eco-friendly and cost- effective propellants.