“Basically, of the total launch vehicle mass, 86% is propellant mass in the launch vehicle. When you use an air-breathing propulsion system, you need a compressor so that the air automatically gets compressed and then it gets ignited,” says Sivan. Isro’s air-breathing propulsion system will allow rockets to use atmospheric oxygen for fuel, reducing costs and fuel weight in the futureA file photo of the Isro campus in Bengaluru. Photo: Hemant Mishra/MintNew Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) will be testing an air-breathing propulsion system this month which will allow rockets to use atmospheric oxygen for fuel, reducing costs and fuel weight in the future. Called the hypersonic flight experiment (HEX), there are several steps left till the final reusable launch vehicle is ready.

Source: Mint July 04, 2016 08:32 UTC