The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully tested a hybrid engine, potentially paving the way for a new propulsion system for upcoming launch vehicles. The 30 kN hybrid engine tested at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu on Tuesday is scalable and stackable, the Bengaluru-based space agency said.
The test was supported by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Center (LPSC). The engine used hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) as fuel and liquid oxygen (LOX) as oxidizer. Unlike solid-solid or liquid-liquid combinations, a hybrid engine uses a solid fuel and a liquid oxidizer, as noted.
“Today’s (Tuesday) test of the 30 kN flight equivalent hybrid engine demonstrated ignition and sustained burn for the intended duration of 15 seconds. Engine performance was satisfactory,” an ISRO statement said.
It was explained that the use of fluids facilitates throttling and the LOX flow control allows for restarts. While both HTPB and LOX are green, LOX is safer to handle, ISRO noted. “The hybrid engine tested today (Tuesday) is scalable and stackable, potentially paving the way for a new propulsion system for upcoming launch vehicles,” it said.
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