From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Agnibaan SOrTeD, PS4 Engine
Why in the News?
Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited, a space start-up from Chennai, made history by launching the world’s first rocket with a single-piece 3D-printed engine, named Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD), from Sriharikota.
About3D Printed PS4 Engine
The PS4 engine, which forms the uppermost stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), comprises two Earth-storable liquid engines.
It uses a bipropellant combination of nitrogen tetroxide as the oxidizer and monomethyl hydrazine as the fuel, both developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.
This same engine is employed in the Reaction Control System (RCS) of the first stage (PS1) of PSLV.
ISRO redesigned the PS4 engine for production using 3D printing technology.
The technology helped ISRO bring down the number of parts in the engine from 14 to a single piece.
ISRO was able to eliminate 19 weld joints and saved 97% of raw material.
It also reduced the overall production time by 60%.
What is Agnibaan SOrTeD (Suborbital Tech Demonstrator)?
Agnibaan SOrTeD is a single-stage launch vehicle powered by Agnikul’s patented Agnilet semi-cryogenic engine.
In contrast to traditional sounding rockets, Agnibaan SOrTeD’s vertical take-off and precise trajectory enable orchestrated manoeuvres during flight.
PYQ:
[2018] With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:
PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
