2. INTRODUCTION
The Advanced Technology Vehicle (ATV) is designed to loft a
payload of 200-400 kg vertically up to an altitude of 800 km.
The sub orbital straight up and down flight trajectory of the
rocket makes it an excellent platform for studies of upper
atmospheric features and short period transient phenomena and
events in the atmosphere.
It can also be used for micro-gravity experiments lasting up to 10
mins, such as experiments in fluid physics, combustion research,
materials sciences, biology as well as to perform precursor
experiments for launch vehicles, satellites and manned missions.
3. ATV-DO1 - FIRST DEVELOPMENTAL TEST FLIGHT
On Wednesday, March 3, 2010 ISRO conducted the first unpowered flight test of the
Scramjet engine that it is developing under the RLV technology demonstrator program
using an ATV launcher.
The test was conducted at Sriharikota space-port and described by ISRO as a
complete success.
The Advanced Technology Vehicle ATV- D01 booster combination weighed 3 tons. The
rocket reached an altitude of 46 km in 120 seconds (two minutes) and the entire flight
duration was 240 seconds (four minutes).
The booster accelerated the passive scramjet to Mach 6 and sustained Mach 6 +.05
and dynamic pressure (80 + 35 kPa) for seven seconds.
These conditions are required for a stable ignition of active scramjet engine
combustor module planned in the next flight of ATV.
4. ATV-D02 DEVELOPMENTAL FLIGHT
ATV-D02 will be used to flight test an ISRO
developed scramjet for the first time.
The vehicle will feature two active scramjet engine
modules and the associated fuel feed system.
5. PROGRESS
ISRO Annual Report 2014 states:
The Scramjet characterization flight will be carried out using ATV. Towards ATV-D02 flight
with active scramjet engine, mission specifications, qualification of Expanding Tube
Assembly (XTA) based stage separation system and structures have been completed. The
environmental qualification tests and flight measurement plan have been firmed up.
Hardware system such as customized Avionics, improved fiber glass igniter case, booster
and sustainer after end shrouds and fins for the flight have been realized.
