BENGALURU: Describing them as “new vistas of industry partnership in the space sector”, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) said private companies at the government-owned-company-operated (GOCO) facility at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) have successfully realised key flight-grade systems.
SFO Technologies, Thiruvananthapuram, and Hical Technologies, Bengaluru, realised and delivered flight-grade RF systems and electromechanical actuators, respectively, at VSSC recently, Isro said.
The space agency added: “RF packages and actuation systems are among the most complex systems in a launch vehicle. Their realisation is equally challenging. RF system realisation involves intricate frequency tuning, complex integration and rigorous testing.”
Pointing out that actuation systems encompass complex mechanical and electrical integration, Isro said the realisation of these systems, therefore, predominantly remains an in-house activity.
“However, the demand to focus on new technology developments prompted the VSSC management to open the doors to private partners by adopting the GOCO model. The success of the GOCO model elsewhere, including at VSSC for surface treatment of mechanical parts, also gave impetus to the decision,” Isro said.
An expression of interest was floated and then requests for proposal were sought. Finally, SFO Technologies and Hical Technologies were contracted.
“RF packages are used in the telemetry and telecommand functions of a satellite launch vehicle mission. Three RF packages were identified for realisation through the GOCO facility: programmable S-band transmitter, solid-state C-band transponder, and digital telecommand receiver. The RF GOCO facility was set up with state-of-the-art equipment for fabrication and testing of launch vehicle RF systems,” Isro added. Twelve types of electromechanical actuators for PSLV, GSLV and GSLV MkIII were identified for production in GOCO mode. The facility was established with bonded stores, a fitting shop, assembly and inspection areas, and a fully equipped Class-1000 cleanroom.
