Green Propulsion System

Green Propulsion System

Green Propulsion System

  • A Green Propulsion System, developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has successfully demonstrated in-orbit functionality on a payload launched by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) – C58 Mission.
  • This is a major achievement for the Indian space sector, as it showcases the potential of green and indigenous technologies for enhancing the country’s defence capabilities.

Technology Development Fund (TDF)

  • The TDF is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Defence, spearheaded by DRDO, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
  • This program focuses on funding innovation in defence and aerospace, with a particular emphasis on supporting start-ups and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
  • The success of the Green Propulsion System further underscores the effectiveness of such initiatives in pushing the boundaries of technological advancements in the realm of space defence.

What is the Green Propulsion System?

  • The Green Propulsion System was developed by a Bengaluru-based start-up Bellatrix Aerospace Pvt Ltd (Development Agency).
  • This project uses a 1N Class Green Monopropellant for altitude control and orbit keeping of microsatellites.
  • The system consists of indigenously developed propellant, fill and drain valves, latch valve, solenoid valve, catalyst bed, drive electronics, etc.
  • This innovative technology has resulted in a non-toxic and environment-friendly propulsion system for low orbit space, unlike the conventional hydrazine-based propulsion systems that are hazardous and polluting.
  • The system is ideal for space missions with high thrust requirements.

Propulsion System

  • Propulsion means to push forward or drive an object forward. A propulsion system is a machine that produces thrust to push an object forward.
  • A propellant is a substance that is expelled or expanded to create thrust. Propellants can be gases, liquids, or solids.
    • In rockets, propellants are chemical mixtures that produce thrust. They consist of fuel and an oxidizer.
  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing green propellants for use in future rocket & satellite propulsion systems.
    • ISRO has made a beginning by developing an eco-friendly solid propellant based on Glycidyl Azide Polymer (GAP) as fuel and Ammonium Di-Nitramide (ADN) as oxidizer at the laboratory level, which will eliminate the emission of chlorinated exhaust products from rocket motors.

What is the PSLV-C58 Mission?

  • ISRO’s PSLV-C58 launched an X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPOSAT) into an Eastward low inclination orbit on 1st January 2024.
  • XPoSat is the first dedicated scientific satellite from ISRO to carry out research in space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emission from celestial sources.
  • This mission aims to investigate the polarization of intense X-ray sources.
  • X-rays, with wavelengths of 0.01-10 nanometers, are electromagnetic radiation characterized by perpendicular electric and magnetic fields.
  • Measuring X-ray polarization, aids astronomers in studying magnetic field orientations and strengths in celestial bodies, crucial for understanding pulsars, black hole regions, and other X-ray-emitting cosmic phenomena.

Related Links

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)International Space Station
Aditya-L1 MissionChandrayaan-4 Mission
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