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India’s Space Advancement
India recently achieved a significant milestone in its journey towards becoming a prominent space-faring nation. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted a hot-fire test of a liquid-fueled rocket engine, utilizing additive manufacturing technology, on May 9.
The engine, designed for use in India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), employs a hypergolic mix of nitrogen tetroxide and monomethyl hydrazine. The test, which lasted 665 seconds, demonstrated a remarkable breakthrough in engine development.
ISRO highlighted the adoption of a new laser powder bed fusion technique for producing the engine. This innovation resulted in a drastic reduction in the number of engine parts, consolidating them into a single piece. By avoiding 19 weld joints, the organization effectively minimized raw material consumption per engine.
Comparatively, the new manufacturing process utilizes 30.2 pounds (13.7 kilograms) of metal powder, a sharp decline from the 1,245 pounds (565 kg) required by conventional forging and sheet methods. Additionally, ISRO reported a 60% decrease in overall production time with the implementation of this advanced technique.
Enhancing Launch Capabilities
The successful test of the PS4 engine holds immense significance for India’s space exploration initiatives. The PSLV, standing at 145 feet (44 meters) tall, represents a critical asset in the country’s launch vehicle fleet, alongside the LVM-3. Capable of delivering payloads weighing up to 3,860 pounds (1,750 kg) to sun-synchronous polar orbits 370 miles (600 km) above Earth, the PSLV plays a vital role in India’s space missions.
This achievement is poised to elevate India’s launch frequency and propel its aspirations in the realm of human spaceflight. With ambitions to send astronauts to the moon and establish a lunar base by 2047, India’s space program is set on a trajectory of remarkable growth and innovation.
Looking Ahead
India’s recent breakthrough in rocket engine technology not only signifies a significant advancement in its space capabilities but also underscores the country’s commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers. As India continues to make strides in space exploration, the global community eagerly anticipates the groundbreaking missions and discoveries that lie ahead.
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