Source: The Hindu (Green Propulsion System India)
Why in News?
Bellatrix Aerospace, a Bengaluru-based space start-up, announced a significant breakthrough with the successful performance of its Rudra High-Performance Green Propulsion System during the PSLV C-60 mission. The propulsion system, which was aboard the POEM-4 (Payload Orbital Experiment Module), fired flawlessly, achieving the desired outcomes.
Key Achievements:
- Repeatable Performance:
The hardware used in this mission was replicated from the January 2024 space qualification, reaffirming its reliable and consistent performance. - Made in India Innovation:
All sub-systems of the propulsion system were designed and manufactured entirely at Bellatrix Aerospace, showcasing indigenous capabilities. - Yaw Axis Disturbance:
During a 60-second firing, the system imparted a 1.4 degrees/second disturbance on the POEM body in the yaw axis, leading to an 80-degree angular rotation of the platform. This establishes a new benchmark for propulsion accuracy and performance. - Environmental Sustainability:
The propulsion system is classified as a high-performance green technology, emphasizing reduced environmental impact while maintaining efficiency and reliability.
Future Plans:
Bellatrix Aerospace plans to conduct more firings in the coming days to further validate and optimize the performance of its propulsion system. This milestone underscores India’s growing expertise in cutting-edge space technology and contributes to the global push toward environmentally sustainable aerospace solutions.
By achieving success in this mission, Bellatrix Aerospace has not only solidified its position as a leader in innovative propulsion systems but also highlighted the potential of start-ups in driving India’s space exploration ambitions.
