Core Competence In Pyros For ISRO Space Programmes

Paper number

IAC-07-C4.I.17

Author

Mr. C.R. Thomas, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), VSSC, India

Coauthor

Coauthor

Kartha C B, India

Coauthor

Mr. Jeyaprakash K, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), VSSC, India

Year

2007

Abstract

ISRO’s space programme has matured over the last four decades.  Beginning with sounding rockets, the programme has evolved across five generations of launch vehicles and four generations of satellites.  So also are the pyros/ space ordnance systems for ignition, staging, heat shield jettisoning and destruction, ranging from igniters of diameter 20 mm to 300 mm, FLSC separation systems of diameter 300 mm to 2800 mm, nose cone separation system of 300  mm diameter to 5000 mm diameter heat shield jettisoning systems, destruct systems cutting 2 mm thick 15 CDV6 to 8 mm M250 (maraging steel) motor cases.  A galaxy of mechanisms and propulsion pyro devices operating in ambient to cryo temperatures are also part of the product range.  These have been designed, developed, qualified  and flight proven with an impeccable record.  
The hallmark of ISRO pyros design is its ruggedness, with margins on hardware and energetic materials, verified by design checks and appropriate testing.  These pyro systems are configured with high reliability, augmented by redundancy management through two devices or double cartridges or twin bridgewires built in to the system.  Shelf life for these products is awarded with a safety factor on naturally aged products tested after VOQ (verification of qualification) exposures.  Rigorous quality protocols with a three-tier quality control and a two-tier quality assurance system are in place.  NDT techniques including X-ray and neutron radiography (NR) are used to accept flight worthy products.  Internationally acceptable 1A/ 1W pyros, based on safe pyrotechnics, high explosives and propellants are realized with utmost safety; systems are also visualized to provide safety during launch integration activities.  Keeping to international standards, remote mounting safe arm (RMSA) based pyro circuits are incorporated as mandatory requirement for major systems.
Today, ISRO’s pyros have a demonstrated credibility in launch vehicles.  A recent landmark has been the space capsule recovery experiment (SRE). The challenge is on and development activities are in progress for moon missions, reusable launch vehicles and manned space endeavour.  While ISRO launch services are available to the global market, a humble beginning is being made to showcase its core competence in pyro products through its official marketing arm – Antrix.

Abstract document

IAC-07-C4.I.17.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-C4.I.17.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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