From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Helium
Why in the News?
Two NASA astronauts aboard Boeing’s Starliner will remain on the International Space Station (ISS) for an extended period due to issues with a faulty propulsion system, including helium leaks.
About Helium
- Helium is inert, meaning it does not react or combust when exposed to other substances.
- This makes it ideal for pressurization and cooling systems in rockets and spacecraft.
- With an atomic number of 2, Helium is second lightest element after hydrogen, helping to keep the rocket’s weight low, which is crucial for achieving the necessary speeds and altitudes to reach orbit.
- It has an extremely low boiling point (-268.9°C), allowing it to stay in a gaseous state in super-cold environments, where many rocket fuels are stored.
- Though non-toxic, helium cannot be inhaled on its own as it displaces oxygen, which is vital for human respiration.
How is Helium used for space applications?
- Fuel Tank Pressurization: Helium pressurizes fuel tanks, ensuring a consistent flow of fuel to the rocket’s engines, even as the fuel is burned.
- Cooling Systems: It also plays a key role in cooling systems, particularly in environments where rocket fuel and oxidizer need to be stored at extremely low temperatures.
- Maintaining Tank Pressure: As fuel and oxidizer are consumed, helium fills the empty space left behind, ensuring the overall pressure inside the tanks remains stable.
Is Helium prone to leaks?
- Helium’s small atomic size and low molecular weight make it prone to leaking through tiny gaps or seals in storage tanks and fuel systems.
- Since helium is rare in Earth’s atmosphere, even minor leaks are easily detectable, making it a valuable tool for spotting potential faults in spacecraft fuel systems.
- Examples of Leaks:
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- In May, hours before Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft attempted its first astronaut launch, sensors detected a small helium leak in one of its thrusters.
- After Starliner launched in June, additional leaks were found in space, prompting NASA to return the spacecraft to Earth without its crew.
Alternatives to Helium
- Argon and Nitrogen: Some rocket launches have experimented with other inert gases like argon and nitrogen, which are sometimes cheaper, but helium remains the industry standard.
- Ariane 6’s Novel System: Europe’s new Ariane 6 rocket abandoned helium in favor of a pressurization system that converts small amounts of its liquid oxygen and hydrogen into gas for pressurizing the fuel.
- However, during Ariane 6’s debut launch, this system failed in space, adding to the global rocket industry’s pressurization challenges.
PYQ:[2012] A team of scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory included those from India created the heaviest anti-matter (anti-helium nucleus). What is/are the implication/implications of the creation of anti-matter? 1. It will make mineral prospecting and oil exploration easier and cheaper. 2. It will help prove the possibility of the existence of stars and galaxies made of anti-matter. 3. It will help understand the evolution of the universe. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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