New Delhi, Feb 1 (Agency) In a big leap in space defence technology, the Green Propulsion System, developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme of DRDO, 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 microsatellite, was sanctioned to a Bengaluru-based start-up, Bellatrix Aerospace Pvt Ltd (Development Agency), an official statement said here on Thursday. The telemetry data from the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) at ISRO Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network (ISTRAC), Bengaluru, has been validated with ground-level solutions and 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 valves, solenoid valves, catalyst beds, drive electronics, etc. It is ideal for space missions with high thrust requirements.The complete project has been carried out by the Development Agency under the guidance of the Project Monitoring and Mentoring Group of DRDO. It has demonstrated pulsed mode and steady state firing in vacuum, passivation of residual propellant in outer space, propellant realisation and the establishment of filling procedures under the TDF. The TDF is a flagship program of the Ministry of Defence executed by DRDO under the ‘Make in India’ initiative to fund innovation in defence and aerospace, especially for start-ups and MSMEs.