The next PSLV-C37, that will put into orbit a record number of 83 satellites, is being scheduled for launch on January 27, said PSLV Project Director B. Jayakumar.
Sharing the dais with Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) Director K Sivan, who was in the city to receive the 100th nozzle for a PSLV rocket from city-based Resins and Allied Productions (RAP), Mr. Jayakumar said that six PSLVs had been launched in 2016.
Mr. Sivan said that ISRO was planning to launch 12 to 18 PSLVs in a year. He said the 100th nozzle, that was custom-made by Vijayawada-based RAP, would be used in the historic PSLV that would launch 83 satellites. He said RAP would have to increase its production to meet the rising demand of the ISRO.
Mr. Sivan said it was firms such as RAP that had built a great reputation for ISRO projects like PSLV. Several foreign companies were opting for PSLV for its reliability and precision.
VSSC Deputy Director R Rajarajan said that usually ISRO developed a product and transferred the know-how to a private firm to create the part. But RAP had the distinction of developing nozzles and creating them flawlessly. It was able to double its production from 24 a year to 48 by innovative methods.
RAP Managing director Krishna Prasad said that his company would go in for expansion soon. Founding Chairman of RAP R Chandra Mohan felicitated the ISRO scientists.
Mr Sivan and a team of engineers from VSSC spent some time studying the process being use by RAP to produce nozzles, motor casings and other products custom-made for several rocket and missiles produced by ISRO and DRDO. Solid Motors Production Group Director V. Eswaran and VSSC scientist Shaji Thomas spoke.
