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Air Breathing Propulsion Technology: A Breakthrough in Space Exploration

Key Insights from ISRO's Recent Experiment

Air Breathing Propulsion Technology: A Breakthrough in Space Exploration

  • 31 Jul, 2024
  • 228

Introduction to Air Breathing Propulsion Technology

Air Breathing Propulsion Technology is an innovative system that utilizes atmospheric oxygen to combust fuel. This approach offers the potential for lighter and more efficient spacecraft compared to conventional rocket engines, which must carry their own oxidizers.

Details of the Experiment

The recent experiment took place on July 22, 2024, at 07:00 am, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India. The testing aimed to assess the performance of this advanced propulsion technology.

Vehicle Used for the Test

The experiment was conducted using an RH-560 Sounding rocket. This rocket features propulsion systems symmetrically mounted on either side, allowing for a balanced flight.

Success of the Experiment

According to reports, the flight test yielded satisfactory performance results for both the Sounding Rocket and the Air Breathing propulsion systems, marking a significant achievement in space technology.

Monitoring Parameters

During the flight, nearly 110 parameters were meticulously monitored to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the propulsion systems.

Significance of the Experiment

The data collected from this flight test will be instrumental for the subsequent phases of development of Air Breathing Propulsion systems. This advancement holds the promise of revolutionizing space technology and exploration.

Understanding the RH-560 Rocket

The RH-560 rocket is a two-stage, solid motor-based sub-orbital rocket. It serves as a cost-effective test platform for demonstrating advanced technologies and is recognized as the heaviest sounding rocket in ISRO's fleet.

Pre-Flight Preparations

Prior to the flight experiment, several ground tests were conducted at various ISRO Centres and the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories in Bengaluru to ensure the systems' readiness and reliability.

ISRO's Experience with Air Breathing Propulsion

This experiment is not ISRO's first attempt at Air Breathing Propulsion Technology; it is noted as the "second experimental flight," indicating prior experiments have been conducted to refine this technology.

Potential Benefits of Air Breathing Propulsion

While specific benefits were not detailed in the article, it can be inferred that this technology could lead to the development of more efficient and lighter spacecraft. Such advancements could significantly reduce the costs and complexities associated with space missions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Air Breathing Propulsion Technology?
Answer: Air Breathing Propulsion Technology uses atmospheric oxygen to burn fuel, making spacecraft lighter and more efficient than traditional rocket engines.

Q2. When was the Air Breathing Propulsion Technology experiment conducted?
Answer: The experiment was conducted on July 22, 2024, at 07:00 am, launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India.

Q3. What type of rocket was used in the experiment?
Answer: The experiment utilized an RH-560 Sounding rocket, known for its two-stage design and cost-effective testing capabilities.

Q4. How many parameters were monitored during the flight test?
Answer: Nearly 110 parameters were monitored during the flight to evaluate the performance of the propulsion systems.

Q5. What are the implications of the flight test data?
Answer: The flight data will assist in the next development phase of Air Breathing Propulsion systems, potentially advancing space exploration technology.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary function of Air Breathing Propulsion Technology?
A) To use solid fuel only
B) To utilize atmospheric oxygen for combustion
C) To operate without any fuel
D) To increase payload capacity
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Where was the recent experiment on Air Breathing Propulsion conducted?
A) Bengaluru
B) Mumbai
C) Sriharikota
D) Delhi
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: How many parameters were monitored during the flight test?
A) 50
B) 75
C) 110
D) 150
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: What does RH-560 refer to in the context of the article?
A) A type of satellite
B) A sounding rocket
C) An orbital spacecraft
D) A propulsion system
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: Is this the first experiment conducted by ISRO with Air Breathing Propulsion Technology?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Not specified
D) Only for sub-orbital flights
Correct Answer: B

Question 6: What is a potential benefit of Air Breathing Propulsion Technology?
A) Increased weight of spacecraft
B) More complex space missions
C) Reduced costs and complexities
D) Longer flight times
Correct Answer: C

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