Green Propulsion System Developed under DRDO Technology Development Fund Demonstrates In-Orbit Functionality

By R. Anil Kumar

• Technology Development Fund (TDF) has been established to promote self-reliance in Defence Technology as a part of the ‘Make in India’ It is a programme of the Ministry of Defence

• This programme is executed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) to meet the requirements of the Tri-Services, Defence Production and DRDO

• The Scheme encourages participation of public, private industries, especially MSMEs and startups, so as to create an ecosystem for enhancing cutting edge technology capability in the defence sector

Bangalore, February 2. An indigenously-developed ‘green’ propulsion system, developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, has successfully demonstrated in-orbit functionality on a payload launched by the PSLV C-58 mission.

The technology has resulted in a non-toxic and environment-friendly propulsion system for low orbit space, ideal for space missions with high thrust requirements.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) said the innovative technology has resulted in a non-toxic and environment-friendly propulsion system for low orbit.

In a “big leap” in space defence technology, a “green propulsion system”, developed under TDF successfully demonstrated in-orbit functionality, the ministry said in a statement.

“It has successfully demonstrated in-orbit functionality on a payload launched by PSLV C-58 mission. This project — 1N class green monopropellant thruster for altitude control and orbit keeping of micro satellite — was sanctioned to a Bengaluru-based start-up Bellatrix Aerospace Pvt. Ltd.,” it said.

The telemetry data from PSLV orbital experimental module at ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bangalore has been validated with ground level solution and is found to have exceeded all performance parameters.

“This innovative technology has resulted in a non-toxic and environment-friendly propulsion system for low orbit space. The system consists of indigenously-developed propellant, fill and drain valves, latch valve, solenoid valve, catalyst bed, drive electronics, etc,” the ministry said.

It is ideal for space missions with high thrust requirements, it said.

The complete project has been carried out by the development agency under guidance of project monitoring and mentoring group of the DRDO.

The TDF is a flagship program of the defence ministry which is being executed by the DRDO under the ‘Make in India’ initiative for funding innovation in defence and aerospace, especially to start-ups and MSMEs.