News Excerpt:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted the second experimental flight for demonstrating Air Breathing Propulsion Technology from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

More about the launch:

• The Air breathing propulsion systems were symmetrically mounted on either side of a RH-560 Sounding rocket, achieving satisfactory performance, including the successful ignition of the air breathing propulsion systems.
• During the flight, nearly 110 parameters were monitored to evaluate the system's performance, providing valuable data for the next phase of development.

What is Air Breathing Propulsion Technology?

• Air Breathing Propulsion Technology represents a significant advancement in space transportation systems.
• Unlike conventional rocket engines that carry both fuel and oxidizer, air breathing propulsion systems utilize atmospheric air as an oxidizer, eliminating the need to carry it onboard. 
• This approach significantly improves the payload fraction, making space missions more cost-effective and efficient. 
• The technology involves the use of turbo-ramjet-scramjet engines, which operate at various stages of flight, enabling vehicles to achieve high speeds and altitudes.

Significance of the Technology:

• Air breathing propulsion technology holds the potential to revolutionize space transportation by reducing launch costs and increasing efficiency.
• By leveraging atmospheric oxygen, these systems can extend the vehicle's range and payload capacity, making them ideal for missions requiring high speeds and long durations. 
• The technology also paves the way for reusable space vehicles, which are crucial for sustainable space exploration and commercialization.

Progress made so far:

• ISRO has been actively working on developing and testing air breathing propulsion systems. 
• The recent experimental flight is part of an ongoing project aimed at advancing this technology. 
• Prior to the mission, multiple ground tests were conducted at various ISRO centers, including the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), and ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC).
• The CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) in Bengaluru also played a key role in these tests.

Previous Test Conducted:

• In 2016, ISRO successfully demonstrated the Scramjet mode of propulsion with the ATVD02-Scramjet Characterisation flight. 
• The organization is now focusing on developing critical technologies for the HAVA (Hyper Sonic Air Breathing Vehicle with Air Integration Systems) mission.
• This includes components like the flow duct, fuel injection structures, air intake cowl opening mechanism, fluid storage and feed system, pilot flame ignition system, and advanced navigation, guidance, and control systems.

Conclusion

ISRO's advancements in air breathing propulsion technology mark a significant milestone in the pursuit of more efficient and cost-effective space transportation. The successful demonstration of these technologies not only showcases India's growing capabilities in space exploration but also opens new avenues for future missions and commercial applications.