Indigenous green propulsion system has been successfully demonstrated in space on ISRO’s PSLV C-58 mission. Read the article for further details.
The Indian space sector achieved a major milestone recently with the successful in-orbit demonstration of an indigenous green propulsion system on a satellite launched by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
Developed under the Make in India initiative, this non-toxic and eco-friendly system marks a big leap in India’s space technology capabilities.
What is the Green Propulsion System?
Green propulsion systems represent a transformative approach towards sustainable space and aeronautical exploration, aiming to minimize environmental impact while maintaining or enhancing performance capabilities. Traditional propulsion methods, which rely heavily on chemical propellants, are effective but often release significant amounts of greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
The green propulsion system was developed by Bengaluru-based startup Bellatrix Aerospace Pvt Ltd under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- The Green Propulsion System consists of a non-toxic, eco-friendly monopropellant and allied components to provide thrust for maintaining the orbit and altitude of microsatellites.
- It uses a green monopropellant called the 1N Class Green Monopropellant for altitude control and station keeping of microsatellites in low earth orbits.
- The major components of the system include Indigenously developed propellant, Fill and drain valves, Latch valve, Solenoid valve, Catalyst bed, etc.
- This propulsion system is a greener alternative to conventional hydrazine-based systems which can be toxic and polluting.
- It is ideal for satellites that require high thrust for orbital maneuvers.
Successful Demonstration of Green Propulsion System
The green propulsion system was demonstrated on a payload launched by the PSLV-C58 mission.
- PSLV-C58 carried the XPOSAT satellite into orbit with the technology demonstration module piggybacked on it.
- 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 explore the polarization of high-intensity X-ray sources.
- The measurement of X-ray polarization plays an important role in enabling astronomers to analyze the orientations and strengths of magnetic fields in celestial bodies.
- This information is essential for gaining insights into pulsars, regions around black holes, and various other cosmic phenomena that emit X-rays.
How Propulsion Systems Work?
Propulsion systems are important for launch vehicles and satellites to provide thrust and motion control in space.
- They consist of propellants that generate high-pressure gases when ignited to create reactive thrust.
- In rockets, propellants include liquid fuels + oxidizers which undergo combustion.
- In satellites, compact propulsion systems using liquid/gaseous propellants are used.
- Cold gas, monopropellant, bipropellant, ion, and Hall-effect thrusters are a few examples.
- Valves, tanks, nozzles, and electronics form other key components.
Significance of Indigenous Capability
The successful demonstration of the Green Propulsion System on the PSLV-C58 mission is a landmark achievement for India’s space program.
- It highlights the capabilities of Indian startups to deliver innovative space solutions under DRDO’s handholding.
- Indigenous green propellants align with India’s commitment to sustainable space exploration.
- This technology reduces import dependence and establishes India’s self-reliance in space propulsion.
- Its adoption can lower launch costs and enable affordable satellite-based services.
- In the future, such green propellants can potentially be used in ISRO’s launch vehicles.
DRDO’s Technology Development Fund
The Technology Development Fund (TDF) is an initiative under the ‘Make in India‘ campaign to promote indigenous R&D and innovation in defense and aerospace.
- The TDF Scheme provides financial assistance and expertise to enhance existing products/systems, processes, and applications.
- The Scheme encourages the participation of public/private industries, especially MSMEs and startups, to create an ecosystem for enhancing cutting-edge technology capability in the defence sector.
- This support aims to reduce production costs, enhance functionality and quality, and promote the Make in India initiative.
- Additionally, the scheme focuses on fostering the development of futuristic technologies with applications in the defense sector.
ISRO’s Focus on Green Propellants
ISRO is also working on developing eco-friendly propellants for future missions.
- It has formulated a ‘Green Propellant’ based on ammonium dinitramide (ADN) and other greener alternatives.
- These propellants emit minimal or no ozone-depleting exhaust gases, unlike hydrazine.
- ISRO plans to use such indigenous green propellants in satellites and upper rocket stages.
- This aligns with India’s international commitment to reduce the carbon footprint of space activities.
Future Applications
The green propulsion system has opened up many possibilities for India’s space program:
- It can be used for the maneuvering and orbit maintenance of future small satellites launched by ISRO.
- The technology can be further scaled up and optimized for applications in bigger satellites.
- ISRO plans to develop more green propellants using simpler chemicals that can deliver higher performance.
- Green propellants will replace conventional fuels in the upper stages of ISRO’s future rockets like the SSLV and reusable launch vehicle.
- Private companies can use this technology for their small satellite launch vehicles and satellites.
Conclusion
The maiden flight of India’s Green Propulsion System marks a strategic step towards self-reliance in satellite propulsion and environmentally sustainable space exploration.
Its success reinforces private industry participation in the Indian space program. The project reflects the capabilities nurtured under DRDO’s TDF in powering next-generation defence technology development through academia-industry synergies.
With further development, such green propulsion can spearhead ISRO’s upcoming missions, thereby catalyzing the growth of India’s space economy.
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Article Written By: Priti Raj
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