CRYOGENIC TECHNOLOGY - SCI & TECH
News: ISRO commences tests on
semi cryogenic engine
What is in the news:
● The
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully carried out the first
integrated test on an intermediate configuration of its semi cryogenic engine
with a 2000-kiloNewton (kN) thrust.
● ISRO’s
Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, along with industry partners in India, is
designing and developing the engine which is set to power the booster stages of
future launch vehicles.
● The
test was conducted at the newly commissioned Semi Cryogenic Integrated Engine and Stage Test facility at the ISRO
Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu.
● This
test was the first in a series of tests being planned to validate the design of
the propellant feed system, including the low-pressure and high-pressure
turbo-pumps, the gas generator, and the control components, ISRO said.
● The
engine works on a Liquid Oxygen-Kerosene
propellant combination.
New Test facility:
● The
IPRC test facility has a state-of-the-art control and data acquisition system
and is capable of testing semi-cryogenic engines with up to a thrust of 2600
kN.
● The
facility will also support the subsequent testing and qualification of the
fully integrated engine.
Go to the basics:
About cryogenic Technology:
● Cryogenics
is the science that addresses the production and effects of very low temperatures.
● A
cryogenic rocket engine is a rocket engine that uses a cryogenic fuel or
oxidizer.
● That
is, its fuel or oxidizer (or both) are
gases liquefied and stored at very low temperatures.
● This
clean technology is very crucial for future space missions like Gaganyan,
Chandrayaan 3 and Adithya missions.
● GSLV
series launch vehicles use this cryogenic technology in India.
● Countries know the
technology: Only six countries have developed their
own cryogenic engines.
○ USA
○ France/European
Space
Agency
○ Russia
○ China
○ Japan
○ India.