KCP and ISRO join forces to advance India’s space flight aspirations
Marking yet another milestone in its seven-decade legacy, Chennai-based KCP-Heavy Engineering unit, located at Thiruvottiyur, has once again fortified its integral association with ISRO. This long-standing partnership, spanning three decades, now unveils the completion of the Integrated Air Drop Test-Crew Model Structure (IADT-CM), a pivotal component for ISRO’s ambitious Human Space Flight Mission, Gaganyan.
KCP’s Integral Role in Space, Defence, and Core Engineering
With a robust presence in the core engineering sector – encompassing Cement, Sugar, Mineral, Power & Steel, Oil & Gas industries – and associations with India’s Defence, Space, and Nuclear establishments, KCP’s Heavy Engineering unit stands as a beacon of excellence. Their integrated facility, adept at heavy casting, machining, and fabrication, has been at the forefront of supplying essential flight hardware for rocket vehicles like motor cases, nozzle divergent, and inter-stage structures. Notably, KCP’s contributions, such as the Mobile Launch Pedestal and the 7.0m diameter vacuum chamber, highlight its omnipresence in every facet of space exploration.
Delving into the IADT-CM Structure’s Significance and Realization
The IADT-CM structure, crucial for demonstrating technological readiness for the Gaganyan mission, boasts dimensions of approximately 3.1m in diameter and 2.6m in height. Constructed using a light aluminum alloy and 15CDV6 Steel, this intricate assembly comprises over 100 components unified through welding, riveting, and threaded fastening. KCP’s expertise encompassed a gamut of processes from critical tooling & fixturing, forming, and heat treatment to machining and assembly, all realized through their in-house facilities. This collaboration speaks volumes about KCP-Heavy Engineering’s infrastructure and exemplary workmanship that is perfectly tailored for realizing such paramount hardware.
Handover Ceremony and KCP’s Forward-Looking Vision
In a significant event slated for 7th October 2023, Dr. Indira Dutt, Chairman and Managing Director of the KCP Group, will officially hand over the IADT-CM structure to R. Hutton, Acting Director of the Human Space Flight Center (HSFC), ISRO, at the KCP-Heavy Engineering unit. Extending gratitude, KCP management acknowledges HSFC’s invaluable guidance throughout this collaborative journey. Envisioning the future, KCP is poised to transition from component manufacturing to comprehensive system integration, solidifying its pivotal role in India’s space odyssey.