Daily Current Affairs : 9-May-2024

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting the first PreBurner Ignition trial for the Semi-Cryogenic Engine (SCE)-200. This event marks an important step in the development of liquid rocket engine systems, an essential component for future space missions.

Importance of the PreBurner Ignition Trial

The PreBurner Ignition trial is a crucial test in the development of rocket engines. This process involves igniting the fuel and oxidizer components of the engine before they are injected into the main combustion chamber. This step ensures the engine operates efficiently and safely during actual launches. It is especially important in systems that use advanced propellants, like the SCE-200, which is designed for high-performance space launches.

Features of the SCE-200

The SCE-200 is a liquid rocket engine that uses a combination of liquid oxygen (LOX) as the oxidizer and refined kerosene as the fuel. Together, these materials allow the engine to generate a thrust of 2,000 kilonewtons (kN). This thrust level is crucial for launching heavy payloads into space, making it ideal for missions that require a lot of power.

Key characteristics of the SCE-200:
  • Fuel: Refined kerosene
  • Oxidizer: Liquid oxygen (LOX)
  • Thrust capacity: 2,000 kilonewtons (kN)
  • Purpose: To power future launch vehicles

Development and Future Goals

The development of the SCE-200 is led by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Bengaluru. The primary aim of this project is to increase the payload capacity of the GSLV Mark-3 (LVM3) launch vehicle, which is ISRO’s heaviest rocket. By improving the engine’s performance, ISRO hopes to carry more and heavier satellites into orbit in the future.

Advantages of Semi-Cryogenic Engines

Semi-Cryogenic Engines like the SCE-200 have several benefits over traditional cryogenic engines. These engines offer:

  • Easier storage and handling of propellants compared to cryogenic engines, which require extremely low temperatures.
  • Increased thrust capacity, allowing rockets to carry heavier payloads into space.
  • Eco-friendly design, as the use of kerosene and liquid oxygen produces fewer emissions than other fuel combinations.
  • Cost-effectiveness, making space missions more affordable

Important Points:

  • ISRO’s Milestone: Successfully conducted the first PreBurner Ignition trial for the Semi-Cryogenic Engine (SCE)-200.
  • PreBurner Ignition: A crucial test to ensure the safe and efficient operation of rocket engines using advanced propellants.
  • SCE-200 Features:
    • Fuel: Refined kerosene
    • Oxidizer: Liquid oxygen (LOX)
    • Thrust Capacity: 2,000 kilonewtons (kN)
    • Designed for high-performance space missions.
  • Development Lead: ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Bengaluru is leading the SCE-200 development.
  • Objective: To enhance the payload capacity of ISRO’s GSLV Mark-3 (LVM3) launch vehicle.
  • Advantages of Semi-Cryogenic Engines:
    • Easier storage and handling compared to traditional cryogenic engines.
    • Higher thrust capacity for heavier payloads.
    • Eco-friendly design with reduced emissions.
    • Cost-effective for more affordable space missions.
  • Future Implications: The SCE-200 will support more ambitious and cost-efficient space exploration missions for ISRO.

Why In News

ISRO recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting the first PreBurner Ignition trial for the Semi-Cryogenic Engine (SCE)-200, a key step in advancing the development of high-performance liquid rocket engines for future space missions.

MCQs about ISRO’s Breakthrough in Semi-Cryogenic Engine Development

  1. What is the primary goal of ISRO’s Semi-Cryogenic Engine (SCE)-200 development?
    A. To reduce the cost of space exploration
    B. To enhance the payload capacity of the GSLV Mark-3 launch vehicle
    C. To use solar energy for rocket propulsion
    D. To make space missions more eco-friendly
    Correct Answer: B. To enhance the payload capacity of the GSLV Mark-3 launch vehicle
    Explanation: The main goal of the SCE-200’s development is to increase the payload capacity of ISRO’s GSLV Mark-3 launch vehicle, enabling it to carry heavier payloads into space.
  2. Which of the following is the fuel used in the Semi-Cryogenic Engine (SCE)-200?
    A. Liquid hydrogen
    B. Refined kerosene
    C. Solid propellant
    D. Methane
    Correct Answer: B. Refined kerosene
    Explanation: The SCE-200 uses refined kerosene as the fuel, combined with liquid oxygen (LOX) as the oxidizer, to generate the necessary thrust for launching rockets.
  3. What is the thrust capacity of the SCE-200 engine?
    A. 1,000 kilonewtons (kN)
    B. 2,000 kilonewtons (kN)
    C. 5,000 kilonewtons (kN)
    D. 10,000 kilonewtons (kN)
    Correct Answer: B. 2,000 kilonewtons (kN)
    Explanation: The SCE-200 is designed to produce a thrust of 2,000 kilonewtons (kN), which is essential for lifting heavy payloads into space.
  4. What is one of the advantages of using Semi-Cryogenic Engines over traditional cryogenic engines?
    A. They are less cost-effective
    B. They are harder to store and handle
    C. They have a lower thrust capacity
    D. They offer easier storage and handling
    Correct Answer: D. They offer easier storage and handling
    Explanation: Semi-Cryogenic engines are easier to store and handle compared to traditional cryogenic engines, which require extremely low temperatures for storage and operation. This makes them more practical and cost-effective.

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