Through mechanical engineering, these materials are
transformed into hardware. In fact, of all the engineering
disciplines which feed directly into the development of
rocketry, mechanical engineering is perhaps the most
intrinsic one. Be it a sophisticated system like a liquid
engine or a piece of hardware as simple as a fastener, its
ultimate fabrication calls for expert mechanical engineers
and precision machine tools. We decided to develop
important technologies like welding techniques for low-alloy
stainless steel, electroforming techniques, and ultra-
precision process tooling. We also decided to make some
important machines in-house, like the 254-litre vertical
mixer and the groove machining facility for our third and
fourth stages. Many of our subsystems were so massive
and complex that they implied sizeable financial outlays.
Without any hesitation, we approached industries in the
private sector and developed contract management plans
which later became blueprints for many government-run
science and technology business organizations.
Coming to the life part of the SLV, there is the complex
electrical circuitry, which sets the mechanical structure in
motion. This vast spectrum of activities, encompassing
simple electrical power supplies to sophisticated
instrumentation as well as guidance and control systems