ISRO successfully tests rockets powered by kerosene

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The test of kerosene mixed fuel and semi-cryogenic engine developed by ISRO to double the capacity of satellite rockets has been successful. With this, the satellite launch capacity of the GSLV Mark 3 rocket called Baahubali can be increased from 6,000 to 10,000 kg. Currently, the capacity is 4,000 kg.

The 15-hour test was conducted at the newly constructed test center at the Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. All engine operations were a complete success. Turbo pumps, gas generator, control systems, propellant feed system etc. were tested at high pressure and low pressure.

An indigenously developed cryogenic engine was used in GSLV Mark III. The fuel is liquefied hydrogen and oxygen. Semi-cryogenic engine uses refined kerosene instead of hydrogen. Scientists have named it ISROSENE.

With this, the rocket's thrust will increase from 725 kilonewtons to 2000 kilonewtons. Its turbo power will increase to 36 MW. The Vikas engine of existing rockets has a turbo power of 5 MW.

Russia and America use refined aviation-grade kerosene in rockets.

The United States, which had repeatedly failed in its mission to the moon, succeeded when it used refined kerosene as fuel.

The Soviet Union lost its first place in space after wasting a few years in the confusion of whether kerosene or hydrogen was better.

Developed by LPSC

The semi-cryogenic engine and kerosene fuel were developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Center (LPSC) at Valiyamala, Thiruvananthapuram. The project was started in 2007 when ISRO Chairman Dr S Somnath was Director of LPSC.

Kerosene

Kerosene is a hydrocarbon liquid that is separated from petroleum. Whether it is ration kerosene or aircraft or rocket fuel, the difference is the amount of other substances such as sulfur in it. Ration kerosene may contain other impurities up to 1/100. In aviation fuel, sulfur and impurities are purified to one part in ten thousand. Rocket fuel kerosene does not contain impurities even to the extent of one part in ten million.

Basically everything is kerosene. Rocket propellant is graded into 1, Jet A and Jet 5 in terms of purity. In this, rocket propellant 1 grade kerosene is used in semi-cryogenic engine.