Country of origin USSR/Russia Application Upper stage engine | Designer KB KhIMMASH Associated L/V GSLV Mk 1 | |
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First flight 2001-04-20, GSAT-1 Mission, GSLV debut flight Last flight 2010-12-25, GSAT-5P launch, GSLV Mk I final flight | ||
KVD-1 was an upper stage LOX/LH2 cryogenic engine developed by Isayev Design Bureau (now KB KhIMMASH) of Russia in early 1960s. It is a modified version of RD-56 which was developed with an intention to manufacture cryogenic engine for upper stage of Lunar N-1 launch vehicle. It was to be used in USSR moon missions. KVD-1 can produce engine thrust of 7.5 tonnes.
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Initial Development
KVD-1 was originated from the RD-56 engine which were intended to be used for USSR moon programmes. RD-56 aka 11D56 engines were developed for N1M rocket programme, the planned derivative of N1, but later they were abandoned due to four successive launch failures of N1. Later the design of the engine was sold to ISRO under the name "KVD-1" under a deal worth $120 million with soviet agency Glavkosmos which enabled ISRO to import 2 KVD-1 engines and an agreement for transfer of technology from Russia.
ISRO Programme
The engines were proved to be inefficient because of low thrust/weight ratio. Later Russian agency optimised the engine to launch a satellite with liftoff mass of 2.5 tonnes. As a result, INSAT-4CR satellite with a liftoff mass of 2,140 kg that was launched in 2007 reached lower than planned orbit due underperformed third stage KVD-1 engine and subsequently used its own propulsion to raised its orbit in exchange for the satellite lifetime.
Sanctions imposed by United States
In 1991, An agreement was signed between India and Russia for technology transfer to India so that KVD-1 engines can be built indigenously in India. But later in July 1993, US imposed sanctions on ISRO and Glavkosmos saying it voids the Missile Technology Control Regime. After suffering setback in this case ISRO was forced to develop its own cryogenic programme.
Features
The engine was single chamber fueled rocket which could be used as cryogenic engines for launching of spacecrafts that could be put in elliptical and geostationary orbits.
Use
KVD-1 was used in following launch vehicles