ISRO Achieves Milestone with Successful Test of Redesigned PS4 Engine

ISRO Achieves Milestone with Successful Test of Redesigned PS4 Engine

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) reached a significant milestone with the successful long-duration test of the PS4 engine of the PSLV stage.

Engine Design Advancements

  • ISRO scientists developed a new engine, reducing raw material usage by 97% and cutting production time by 60%.
  • The engine, manufactured as a single piece using Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology, underwent hot testing for 665 seconds on May 9.
  • Manufacturing was conducted by M/s WIPRO 3D in India, with testing carried out at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri.

Redesign for Additive Manufacturing (AM)

  • The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) at ISRO redesigned the engine, incorporating the Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) concept for significant advantages.
  • The conventional PS4 engine, previously manufactured through machining and welding, has been enhanced for the fourth stage of PSLV, with a vacuum thrust of 7.33 kN.

Technological Innovations

  • The Laser Powder Bed Fusion technique reduced the number of parts from 14 to a single piece and eliminated 19 weld joints.
  • This innovation significantly reduces raw material usage (13.7 kg of metal powder compared to 565 kg for conventional manufacturing) and cuts overall production time by 60%.

Future Plans

  • ISRO aims to integrate the redesigned AM PS4 engine into its regular PSLV program.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

  1. What milestone did ISRO achieve recently?
    a) Successful launch of a satellite
    b) Long-duration test of the PS4 engine of the PSLV stage
    c) First human spaceflight mission
    d) Exploration of Mars
    Answer: b) Long-duration test of the PS4 engine of the PSLV stage
  2. How much raw material usage did ISRO’s new engine design save?
    a) 60%
    b) 80%
    c) 97%
    d) 50%
    Answer: c) 97%
  3. Which technology was employed for manufacturing the new engine?
    a) Conventional machining and welding
    b) Additive Manufacturing (AM)
    c) 3D printing
    d) Injection molding
    Answer: b) Additive Manufacturing (AM)
  4. What was the duration of the hot testing conducted on the new engine?
    a) 500 seconds
    b) 665 seconds
    c) 800 seconds
    d) 1000 seconds
    Answer: b) 665 seconds
  5. What is the thrust of the PS4 engine in vacuum condition?
    a) 5.55 kN
    b) 6.66 kN
    c) 7.33 kN
    d) 8.88 kN
    Answer: c) 7.33 kN