Firms produce RF systems and Electromechanical Actuators at ISRO’s in-house facility

Nellore: SFO Technologies, Thiruvananthapuram, and the Bengaluru-based Hical Technologies and delivered flight-grade RF (radio frequency) systems and electromechanical actuators respectively that were made at the ‘government-owned company-operated (Goco)’ facilities at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.

The RF packages and actuation systems said to be among the most complex in a rocket, and building them is challenging and involves

intricate frequency tuning, complex integration and rigorous testing.

Electromechanical actuators are utilized in the control and guidance of rockets, RF packages are used in the telemetry and telecommand functions of a mission.

While they were being built in-house so far, the demand to focus on new technology prompted VSSC to open the doors to private partners by adopting the Goco model. The two companies were selected after VSSC floated an expression of interest (EoI). Twelve types of electromechanical actuators for PSLV, GSLV and GSLV MkIII were identified for production as well as three RF packages

The skillset needed for building the equipment was imparted to the industry. The Goco facility commenced operations on August 6 last. Last month, the RF systems were handed by Dr T.J. Apren, President, R&D (RF & Microwave) SFO Technologies, to Chairman ISRO Dr S. Somanath, in the presence of VSSC Director Dr Unnikrishnan Nair.