Propulsion technology aboard the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) has advanced significantly, according to recent tests carried out by the Indian start-up Bellatrix Aerospace.
The PSLV-C60 mission saw the successful firing of Bellatrix Aerospace’s Rudra 1.0 High-Performance Green Propulsion System aboard the POEM-4 (Payload Orbital Experiment Module). This is a major turning point for the startup and shows how well their green propulsion system works in space.
Extended microgravity experiments are conducted using the POEM (PSLV Orbital Experiment Module), a special platform that recycles the spent fourth stage of the Polar Synchronous Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
After activating the Rudra system, the POEM platform’s yaw axis experienced a disruption of 1.4 degrees per second, leading in an overall angular rotation of 80 degrees over a 60-second firing interval.
With a particular impulse of 220 seconds, the Rudra 1.0 system produces a nominal thrust of 1 Newton. It is made to monitor the thruster’s thermal profile and maintain steady-state thruster firing for at least 50 seconds.
The propulsion system consists of a number of cutting-edge parts, all of which are compactly packaged and include an indigenous propellant tank assembly, thrust chamber assembly, and universal propulsion control unit.
The yaw axis of the POEM platform was disturbed by 1.4 degrees per second during the 60-second successful firing of the Rudra High-Performance Green Propulsion System. This fire demonstrated the efficacy and dependability of the system by achieving an amazing 80 degrees of angular rotation of the platform.
“This test revalidates their propulsion technology, confirming its repeatability and performance consistency across multiple missions,” said Bellatrix Aerospace co-founder Yashas Karanam. Its reliable qualities were further reinforced by using the same hardware that was used in earlier tests.
This test, carried out as part of the PSLV-C60 mission, confirms the propulsion system’s dependable operation using only domestic technology.
In addition to establishing a new standard for propulsion systems, this test demonstrates the expanding contribution of private sector technologies to India’s space initiatives. For some ISRO labs and start-ups, the POEM platform is an essential experimental stage that allows them to test their technologies without requiring full satellite launches.
