The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully tested a hybrid motor. This is to potentially pave the way for a new propulsion system for the forthcoming launch vehicles. The motor used Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) as fuel and liquid oxygen (LOX) as the oxidiser.
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).
Unlike solid-solid or liquid-liquid combinations, a hybrid motor uses solid fuel and liquid oxidizer. “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. The hybrid motor tested today (Tuesday) is scalable and stackable, potentially paving the way for a new propulsion system for the forthcoming launch vehicles,” an ISRO statement said.
The use of liquids facilitates throttling, and the control over the flow rate of LOX enables the re-start capability. While both HTPB and LOX are green, LOX is safer to handle.
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