ISRO has been a big success. Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully tested a hybrid motor. This has paved the way for new technology for launching rockets. The new propulsion system can be used for future launch vehicles.
The 30 kN hybrid motor tested at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) at Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday is scalable and stackable, the Bengaluru-headquartered space agency said.
The test was supported by ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC). The motor used Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) as fuel and liquid oxygen (LOX) as the oxidizer. Unlike solid-solid or liquid-liquid combinations, a hybrid motor uses solid fuel and a liquid oxidizer, it was noted. "Today's (Tuesday's) test of a flight equivalent 30 kN hybrid motor demonstrated ignition and sustained combustion for the intended duration of 15 seconds.
The motor performance was satisfactory", an ISRO statement said. The use of liquids facilitates throttling, and the control over the flow rate of LOX enables the re-start capability, it was explained.
It was explained that throttling was made simpler by the use of liquids, and restarting was made feasible by controlling the flow rate of LOX. Although HTPB and LOX both promote environmental sustainability, ISRO claims that LOX is safer to handle.
The hybrid engine tested today (Tuesday) is stackable and scalable, which could open the door for a new propulsion system for upcoming launch vehicles, according to the statement.