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New Delhi (PTI) Mar 14, 2007 In a bid to reduce the cost of launching satellites, space scientists are exploring the use of kerosene to propel rockets into outer space, a first such attempt in the country. Scientists at ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) are carrying out research for the possible use of kerosene in the semi- cryogenic engines, which if successful will make satellite launches cheaper. Space scientists are engaged in research on the use of a mix of aviation grade kerosene and liquid oxygen as fuel for its semi-cryogenic engine, ISRO sources said. Usually, a mixture of liquid hydrogen and oxygen is used as rocket fuel where hydrogen works as the fuel and oxygen as the oxidiser. At the VSSC, scientists are studying the possibility of replacing hydrogen with kerosene. "It is not the normal kerosene we use in stoves, though we call it kerosene, it actually is highly refined paraffin," the sources said. "Kerosene is just one of the options being tested," they said. Finance Minister P Chidambaram has proposed an additional allocation of Rs 25 crore in this year's general budget for research in the area. He has also proposed to increase the allocation to the Department of Space by Rs 861.6 crore to Rs 3858.6 crore for the next financial year. Russia and the US have been using aviation-grade kerosene to launch rockets. Source: Press Trust of India Related Links Rocket Science News at Space-Travel.Com All about the technology of space and more Rocket Science News at Space-Travel.Com
Moscow (RIA Novosti) Mar 14, 2007An unsuccessful rocket launch under the Sea Launch project in late January was caused by engine failure, the press secretary of Russia's federal space agency said Tuesday. A Sea Launch Zenit-3SL rocket carrying a commercial communications satellite exploded shortly after liftoff from an oceangoing platform in the Pacific on January 31. |
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