New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence announced on Thursday that DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organization) has achieved a milestone by launching a Green Propulsion System into orbit. This system, developed under DRDO's Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, was carried into space as part of a payload aboard PSLV C-58.
The ministry revealed that this groundbreaking project, known as the 1N Class Green Monopropellant thruster, was entrusted to the Bengaluru-based startup Bellatrix Aerospace Pvt Ltd. This thruster is designed to facilitate altitude control and orbit maintenance for microsatellites.
According to the ministry, telemetry data transmitted from the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) at ISRO's Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru has been thoroughly verified against ground-level solutions, demonstrating exceptional performance.
The ministry emphasized that this innovative technology introduces a non-toxic and eco-friendly propulsion system for low Earth orbit missions. "The system comprises various components such as indigenously-developed propellant, fill and drain valves, latch valve, solenoid valve, catalyst bed, drive electronics, etc. It is particularly suited for space missions requiring high thrust," stated the ministry.
Furthermore, the entire project was executed by the Development Agency under the guidance of DRDO's Project Monitoring and Mentoring Group. "It has successfully demonstrated pulsed mode and steady-state firing in vacuum conditions, passivation of residual propellant in outer space, propellant realization, and establishment of filling procedures under the TDF," added the ministry.
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