Defence PSU MIDHANI contributes to successful Chandrayaan-3 launch

In the successful launch of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission, Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), a Defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), has played a pivotal role.

MIDHANI supplied vital materials for the LVM3 M4, a three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle used in the lunar mission. These included Cobalt base alloys, Nickel base alloys, Titanium alloys, and Special steels which have been utilized in various components.

The components, such as the liquid engine, nozzles for liquid stages, gas bottles, thrusters, cryogenic upper stage parts, rocket motor casing, and propellant tanks, required several tonnes of these materials. Additionally, MIDHANI has developed investment castings of nickel alloys and stainless steel specifically for the Exhaust Unit. This further underscores the company’s expertise in providing solutions to complex engineering challenges.

MIDHANI supplies essential materials for Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission. Photo courtesy of Indian Space Research Organisation (GODL-India)/Wikimedia Commons.

Not only did MIDHANI’s contributions include the supply of the aforementioned materials, but it also provided Special steels and Titanium alloys for crucial elements of the mission. These materials were used in critical parts like the propulsion module of the lander separator band and various structural components of the Lander and Rover. Their provision of these high-performance steels and alloys contributes significantly to the mission’s success by ensuring the durability and reliability of these vital elements.

MIDHANI has maintained a prosperous partnership with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) over the past forty years. The materials provided by MIDHANI have been essential to ISRO’s space missions since their inception. Beyond the current launch, MIDHANI is also set to contribute to ISRO’s ambitious Gaganyaan Mission and other pioneering programs. This enduring collaboration highlights the strength and reliability of MIDHANI’s materials in the field of space exploration.