ISRO successfully tests scramjet engine that uses atmospheric oxygen
The space research organisation launched the engine, which will reduce expenses for the INSAT-3DR satellite, on Sunday morning.
The Indian Space Research Organisation on Sunday test-fired the Supersonic Combustion Ramjet or scramjet engine, which will compress atmospheric oxygen while traditional engines carry their own fuel and oxidisers. The engine will be used in the launch of the next weather satellite, INSAT-3DR, reported NDTV. India is the fourth country in the world to develop such an engine.
The indigenously-developed engine uses an air-breathing propulsion system technology that compresses atmospheric oxygen after the rocket is launched. Oxygen is required to act as an oxidiser to burn fuel that is carried. The scramjet engine will reduce the cost, and weight, of the INSAT-3DR that is expected to be launched some time in September. ISRO had earlier tested such an engine in 2006.
India test launched Scramjet engine from Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota at 6 AM. pic.twitter.com/vnw6WYzmoY
— ANI (@ANI_news) August 28, 2016
We are the fourth country to do such a thing, the test (scramjet engine) was very successful: ISRO chairman pic.twitter.com/edCteXbFnQ
— ANI (@ANI_news) August 28, 2016
(The image used above is representative)
