The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully demonstrated a hybrid propulsion system that used a solid fuel and liquid oxidiser.
Key points
- The hybrid motor was tested at the ISRO Propulsion Complex , Mahendragiri, on 20th September 2022. It was tested by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) with support from the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC).
- The hybrid system is more efficient, greener and safer to handle, and paves the way for new propulsion technologies for future missions.
- In the ground-based test, the flight equivalent 30 kN hybrid motor used HTPB-based (hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene) aluminised solid fuel and liquid oxygen (LOX) as oxidiser.
- The test was performed for 15 seconds on a 300-mm sounding rocket motor.
- Conventional HTPB-based solid propellant motors used in rockets use ammonium perchlorate as oxidiser.
- In rocket engines, oxidisers supply the oxygen needed for combustion.
- While both HTPB and LOX are green, the cryogenic LOX is safer to handle. And unlike conventional solid motors, the hybrid technology permits restarting and throttling capabilities on the motor.
- The use of liquids facilitates throttling and control over the flow rate of LOX.
