In a remarkable leap towards innovation and pioneering advancements in space technology, Space Zone India, a leading private aerospace company, is making significant strides in its upcoming mission, RHUMI-2024.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to accomplish the historic milestone of the world’s inaugural mobile launch of a Hybrid Rocket. It stands as a remarkable achievement underscoring the company’s commitment to pushing the limits of space exploration. Under the guidance of the esteemed scientist Padmasree Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, affectionately referred to as the “Moon Man of India” and former Director of ISAC, Space Zone India benefits from visionary leadership. Dr. Anand Megalingam, the founder and CEO of Space Zone India, assumes the role of Mission Director, charting the course for the company to attain new heights in aerospace excellence.
At the forefront of Space Zone India’s pioneering endeavors is the advancement of the Hybrid Rocket propulsion system. The company is meticulously exploring various fuel combinations, conducting rigorous tests to optimize the efficiency of the rocket engine. A significant breakthrough was achieved through a highly successful hot fire test, marking a pivotal milestone in the mission’s advancement. Looking forward, Space Zone India is preparing for an extensive series of 10 to 15 tests in the coming weeks. These tests play a crucial role in refining the Hybrid Rocket propulsion system and addressing any potential challenges. The company’s unwavering commitment to innovation is evident in its relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of technology and exploration.
In a successful trial conducted today, Space Zone India tested a hybrid motor at the Equatorial Space System (ESS – Technology Partner) in Singapore. This motor employed diverse fuel combinations in varying ratios, utilizing liquid Nitrous Oxide and Liquid Oxygen as the oxidizers. Diverging from conventional solid-solid or liquid-liquid combinations, this hybrid motor featured a solid fuel paired with a liquid oxidizer tank.
During this test, a 2 kN hybrid motor, equivalent to a flight model, demonstrated successful ignition and sustained combustion for the intended 15-second duration, exhibiting satisfactory performance. The incorporation of liquid components provides enhanced control over throttling, and the management of Nitrous Oxide flow rate facilitates restart capability. Both the Solid Fuel and Liquid Oxidizer utilized are environmentally friendly, with Nitrous Oxide particularly standing out for its safer handling.
The hybrid motor tested today holds the potential for scalability and stackability, potentially paving the way for a new propulsion system in the upcoming Mission RHUMI Rocket Launch.
Simultaneously, alongside advancements in the propulsion system, Space Zone India is actively engaged in developing the rocket integration module. This critical aspect of the mission ensures the seamless operation of all components, showcasing the company’s holistic approach to achieving mission success. Space Zone India takes pride in its collaboration with crew propulsion engineers from around the world, leveraging global expertise to enhance the mission’s precision and perfection. The exchange of ideas and feedback from these international experts adds a valuable dimension to the project.
Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, the esteemed mentor of Mission RHUMI-2024, provides invaluable guidance to the Space Zone India team. His wealth of experience and expertise significantly contributes to overcoming challenges and ensuring the mission’s success. The team’s consistent updates are met with constructive feedback, fostering an environment of continuous improvement. Space Zone India stands as a pioneer in the private sector of India’s space industry, particularly in the Hybrid rocket propulsion system. The company’s achievements underscore the potential of private enterprises to play a crucial role in advancing space exploration capabilities.
As Space Zone India progresses with Mission RHUMI-2024, the world eagerly anticipates witnessing the realization of the world’s first mobile launch of a Hybrid Rocket. This groundbreaking venture not only solidifies Space Zone India’s position as a leader in aerospace innovation but also sets a precedent for the future of space exploration, highlighting the pivotal role that the private sector can play in shaping the frontiers of human achievement.
Website: https://www.spacezoneindia.com/