Article Posted on : - Feb 14, 2014

BANGALORE (PTI): Defence and aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has handed over the first "Crew Module Structural Assembly" for the "Human Spaceflight Programme" to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

HAL handed over the Crew Module to ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, in Bangalore, recently, the company said in a release on Feb. 13.

The first Crew Module will be further equipped with systems necessary for crew support, navigation, guidance and control systems by ISRO for experimentation in the forthcoming GSLV-MK III launch, the release said.

Currently under development by ISRO, GSLV-III or Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III, is conceived and designed to make the country fully self-reliant in launching heavier communication satellites of INSAT-4 class, which weigh 4,500 to 5,000 kg.

It would also enhance India's competitiveness in the multimillion dollar commercial launch market.

"HAL takes pride in the India's space programmes and our Aerospace Division has produced this Crew Module in a record time to meet the requirements of ISRO," HAL Chairman R K Tyagi said.