Why in NEWS:
ISRO Chairman S. Somanath announced that India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle, LVM3, will be equipped with a semi-cryogenic engine by 2027, replacing the current cryogenic upper stage to enhance payload capacity and cost-efficiency.
Key Concepts Explained:
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| LVM3 | Launch Vehicle Mark-3, India’s heaviest rocket, used for missions like Chandrayaan-3 and Gaganyaan. |
| Semi-cryogenic Engine | A type of rocket engine using liquid oxygen (LOX) and refined kerosene (RP-1) as propellants; offers higher thrust and efficiency than conventional cryogenic engines. |
| Cryogenic Engine | Engine that uses super-cooled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen; complex and expensive but powerful. |
News Details in Simple Points:
- LVM3 currently uses a cryogenic stage (C25) with liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX).
- ISRO is developing a semi-cryogenic engine (SE2000) using kerosene (Isrosene) and LOX.
- It will increase payload capacity from ~4 tonnes to ~6 tonnes to GTO (Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit).
- Semi-cryogenic engines are simpler, safer, and more economical than full cryogenic engines.
- Indigenous engine development ensures strategic autonomy in space tech.
In a nutshell
Mnemonic:
“KEROX 2027”
KErosene + ROX (Oxygen) = Semi-cryogenic upgrade by 2027
Prelims Questions
- Which of the following propellant combinations is used in semi-cryogenic rocket engines?
A) Liquid Hydrogen + Liquid Oxygen
B) Kerosene + Liquid Oxygen
C) Solid Propellant + Liquid Oxygen
D) Methane + Liquid Oxygen - The main advantage of a semi-cryogenic engine over a cryogenic engine is:
A) Less thrust
B) Higher cost
C) Simpler design and cheaper fuel
D) Lower payload capacity - LVM3 is mainly used by ISRO for:
A) Satellite Navigation
B) Suborbital space tourism
C) Heavy payload launch missions
D) PSLV replacement
Mains Questions:
- Discuss the strategic significance of developing semi-cryogenic engines for India’s space program.
10 Marks - Highlight the technological and economic benefits of indigenous rocket engine development in India. 10 Marks
Prelims Answer Key:
| Qn | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | Semi-cryogenic engines use Kerosene (RP-1) + LOX. |
| 2 | C | They are more cost-effective and simpler than cryogenic engines. |
| 3 | C | LVM3 is used for heavy satellite and crewed mission launches. |
