ISRO’s new hybrid propulsion system

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully tested a hybrid motor, potentially paving the way for a new propulsion system for the forthcoming launch vehicles.

About the tested hybrid motor:

• The test was conducted at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) at Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu supported by Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC).
• The motor used Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) as fuel and liquid oxygen (LOX) as the oxidiser.
  
  
  
• While both HTPB and LOX are green, LOX is safer to handle.
• The hybrid motor demonstrated ignition and sustained combustion for the intended duration of 15 seconds. 

Features:

• The 30 kN hybrid motor is scalable and stackable.
• The use of liquids helps throttling and the control over the flow rate of LOX enables the re-start capability.
• Unlike solid-solid or liquid-liquid combinations, a hybrid motor uses solid fuel and liquid oxidiser.

ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC)

• ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) formerly Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Mahendragiri (LPSC-M), is located near Kanyakumari at Mahendragiri Hills, Tamil Nadu.
• It is the major testing hub of ISRO's liquid propulsion systems. 
• The role of IPRC is to carry out research for the development of liquid propulsion systems both for Satellites and Satellite Launch Vehicles.
• IPRC is equipped with state of the art facilities for the assembly, integration and testing of liquid propulsion systems.
• It is responsible for the development, qualification and acceptance testing of sub-systems and systems for launch vehicles and spacecraft projects.