Semi Cryogenic Engine of ISRO

Context

Semi Cryogenic Engine

It is an advancement in rocket technology that is superior to the current cryogenic engine which is currently under use by ISRO for GSLV (Geo-Synchronous Launch Vehicle).

What is Cryogenic Engine

Cryogenics is the study of the production and behaviour of materials at very low or extremely low temperatures.
The Cryogenic Engine uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen as propellants.
There are some disadvantages posed by cryogenic engines: the use of liquid hydrogen at extremely low temperatures is very difficult to store, being the smallest gas.
The cost of using liquid hydrogen is very expensive

What is Semi Cryogenic Engine

A semi-cryogenic engine uses refined kerosene instead of liquid hydrogen.
It uses liquid oxygen as an oxidiser.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) can also be used as fuel.
The Semi Cryogenic engine will also be used in the Gaganyaan Mission.
India’s strategic partner Russia is offering its semi-cryogenic technology along with critical components for this mission.

Advantages of Semi Cryogenic Engine

Kerosene is much lighter than liquid fuel and can be stored at a normal temperature.
The Kerosene combined with liquid oxygen provides more thrust to the rocket.
It also occupies less space which makes it possible to have more propellant in the fuel compartment or tank.
The semi-cryogenic engine is more environment-friendly, cost-effective and more powerful compared to a cryogenic engine.
It can carry a huge weight to a higher altitude.
Moreover, the payload can be increased since the weight of the fuel will come down by 500kg.

SCE 200 Project

India is currently working on the Semi-Cryogenic Engine (SCE-200) as India’s Space program needs to move to the next level.
The SCE-200 project was approved in 2009 for 1798 Crores.
It is being developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Center,one of the four main pillars of ISRO.
The other three are the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC), ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU) and the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST).

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