In Bengaluru, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has built a 208 crore Integrated Cryogenic Engine Manufacturing Facility (ICMF). The entire rocket engine manufacturing process for the Indian Space Research Organization will be housed there (ISRO).
The state-of-the-art ICMF, which spans 4,500 square metres and houses more than 70 high-tech tools and testing facilities for the production of cryogenic (CE20) and semi-cryogenic (SE2000) engines for Indian rockets, was officially opened on September 27 by President Droupadi Murmu.
According to HAL, a Bengaluru-based company, all necessary machinery for manufacturing and assembly needs has been fully commissioned. Pre-production activities, such as the compilation of process and quality plans and drawings, have already begun. HAL stated in a statement that it would begin producing the modules in March 2023.
“The facility (ICMF) will cater to the entire Rocket Engine Manufacturing under one roof for ISRO. The facility will boost self-reliance in manufacturing of High-thrust Rocket engines,” the HAL statement said.
In 2013, an MOU was signed with ISRO to establish a facility to manufacture cryogenic engine modules at HAL’s Aerospace Division. It was later amended in 2016 to allow for the establishment of the ICMF with a 208-crore investment.
Satellites manufactured by HAL Aerospace Division
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV Mk-II), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV Mk-III), and stage integration for the GSLV Mk-II are all manufactured by HAL Aerospace Division.
According to Bengaluru-based HAL, pre-production operations, which include creating process and quality plans and drawings, have already begun. The company also announced that all critical equipment for manufacturing and assembly requirements has been fully commissioned.
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLVliquid)’s propellant tanks and launch vehicle structures are made by HAL Aerospace Division.
