07-12-2020 | 16:48 PM
C32 LH2 Propellant tank
C32 LH2 is the largest cryogenic propellant tank ever built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It was recently shipped to the ISRO.
It is planned to increase the payload capacity of the ISRO Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III) from 4 to 6 tonnes. The goal is to establish self-reliance with regard to the transition of heavier communication satellites to space.
About C32 LH2 Tank
It is a cryogenic propellant tank made of aluminium alloy. The tank is capable of loading 5,755 kilograms of propellant fuel.
India currently relies on French Guiana to launch heavier communication satellites (of 5 to 6 tonnes). C32 LH2 would bring an end to India's dependency on a foreign nation and raise its self-reliance.
Cryogenic fuels
Cryogenic means cold temperatures.
They are fuels that need incredibly low storage temperatures.
They are usually used in space where the temperature is low. The space atmosphere cannot however support combustion. Highly low-temperature fuels are therefore required.
Usually cryogenic engines use liquid hydrogen as a fuel and liquid oxygen as an oxidizer. This is because oxygen can be contained in a liquid state below-183 degrees Celsius.
On the other hand, the liquid hydrogen is kept at -253 degree Celsius. Liquid Oxygen is highly reactive and can be used as a propellant to carry heavy loads.
Note:
India has learned cryogenic technologies from the Russians. The Soviet Union decided in 1991 to move the technology to ISRO.
Other nations, such as the US, Japan, Europe and China, have been slow to share the technology with India.
