A hybrid motor successfully tested by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) may lead to developing a new propulsion system for the following launch vehicles.
The Bengaluru-based space agency said the 30 kN hybrid motor tested on Tuesday at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) at Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu is stackable and scalable.
The ISRO Liquid Propulsion Systems Center supported the test (LPSC).
Liquid oxygen (LOX) served as the oxidizer, and hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) served as the fuel for the motor.
It was stated that a hybrid engine employs solid fuel and a liquid oxidizer instead of solid-solid or liquid-liquid combinations.
"The test of a hybrid motor today (Tuesday) with a 30 kN flight equivalent showed ignition and maintained combustion for the planned 15 seconds. The motor function was adequate ", an ISRO statement said.
It was noted that the use of liquids makes throttling easier and that regulating the flow rate of LOX makes it possible to restart the engine.
HTPB and LOX are environmentally friendly, but LOX is safer to handle, according to ISRO.
It stated that the hybrid motor tested on Tuesday was stackable and scalable, opening the door for a new propulsion technology for following launch vehicles.