A green propulsion system developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has successfully demonstrated functionality in orbit on payloads launched by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)- C58 mission. It is a major achievement for the Indian space sector as it showcases the efficiency of green and indigenous technologies to enhance the country’s defense capabilities. TDF is a flagship program of the Ministry of Defense to promote innovation in defense and aerospace, especially in startups and MSMEs. The financing is being implemented by DRDO under the “Make in India” initiative.
PSLV-C58 mission
- ISRO’s PSLV-C58 launched an X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) into a low eastward inclination orbit on January 1, 2024.
- XPoSat is ISRO’s first dedicated scientific satellite to conduct research in space-based polarization measurements of X-ray emissions from celestial sources.
- The objective of this mission is 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 helps astronomers study magnetic field orientations and strengths in celestial bodies, which is important for understanding pulsars, black hole regions, and other X-ray-emitting cosmic phenomena.
Green propulsion system
- The green propulsion system was developed by Bengaluru-based start-up Bellatrix Aerospace Pvt Ltd (development agency).
- Under this project, 1N class green monopropellant is used for altitude control and orbit monitoring of micro satellites.
- The system comprises indigenously developed propellant, fill and drain valves, latch valves, solenoid valves, catalyst bed, drive electronics etc.
- This innovative technology has resulted in a non-toxic and eco-friendly propulsion system for low orbit, unlike conventional hydrazine-based propulsion systems which are hazardous and polluting.
- This system is ideal for space missions with high thrust requirements.
Propulsion system
- Propulsion means pushing or moving something forward. A propulsion system is a machine that produces force to push an object forward.
- A propellant is a substance that is expelled or expanded to produce force. Propellants can be gas, liquid or solid.
- In rockets, propellants are chemical mixtures that produce force. These contain fuel and an oxidizer.
- The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is developing green propellants for use in has started by developing at laboratory level an environment-friendly solid propellant based on glycidyl azide polymer as fuel and ammonium di-nitramide as oxidiser which will eliminate emissions of chlorinated exhaust products from rocket engines.future rocket and satellite propulsion systems.