<p>ISRO announced a breakthrough in rocket engine technology, having developed a lightweight Carbon-Carbon (C-C) nozzle. This innovation, achieved by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), is set to enhance critical parameters of rocket engines, including thrust levels and payload capacity.</p>

<p>ISRO stated that the VSSC in Thiruvananthapuram used advanced Carbon-Carbon (C-C) composites to make a nozzle with top-notch features.</p>

<p>By using methods like carbonising green composites, chemical vapour infiltration, and high-temperature treatment, ISRO has created a lightweight nozzle with strong, durable properties, capable of maintaining its strength even in high temperatures.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/spacex-launches-tata-group-satellite-assembled-and-tested-in-india-709083">Also read |&nbsp;SpaceX launches TATA Group satellite assembled and tested in India</a></p>

<h2><strong>What's the special feature?</strong></h2>

<p>ISRO mentioned a special feature of the C-C nozzle: it has a coating made of silicon carbide, which helps it work better in environments where oxidation occurs. This makes it stronger against heat and corrosion, allowing it to handle tough conditions.</p>

<p>This improvement is important, especially for ISRO's main rocket, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). Currently, the PS4 stage of the PSLV uses nozzles made of a metal called columbium alloy. But if ISRO switches these out for C-C nozzles, they could make the rocket lighter by about 67 per cent.</p>

<p>This change could let the PSLV carry 15 kg more payload into space, which is a big deal for missions.</p>

<p>Testing the C-C nozzle was a big step for ISRO. They did a 60-second test on March 19, 2024, at the High-Altitude Test (HAT) facility in ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. This test showed that the system works well and the hardware is strong.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;ISRO Chief S Somanath explains role of India's NavIC satellites; know all about NavIC satellites</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/isro-chief-s-somanath-explains-role-of-indias-navic-satellites-know-all-about-navic-satellites-708995/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"Subsequent tests, including a 200-second hot test on April 2, 2024, further validated the nozzle's capabilities, with temperatures reaching 1216 K, matching predictions," the release said.</p>

<p>The teamwork included the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Valiamala near Thiruvananthapuram, which planned and set up the test. The testing and execution happened at the High-Altitude Test (HAT) facility in IPRC, as mentioned.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


ISRO announced a breakthrough in rocket engine technology, having developed a lightweight Carbon-Carbon (C-C) nozzle. This innovation, achieved by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), is set to enhance critical parameters of rocket engines, including thrust levels and payload capacity.

ISRO announced a breakthrough in rocket engine technology, having developed a lightweight Carbon-Carbon (C-C) nozzle. This innovation, achieved by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), is set to enhance critical parameters of rocket engines, including thrust levels and payload capacity. ISRO stated that the VSSC in Thiruvananthapuram used advanced Carbon-Carbon (C-C) composites to make a nozzle with top-notch features. By using methods like carbonising green composites, chemical vapour infiltration, and high-temperature treatment, ISRO has created a lightweight nozzle with strong, durable properties, capable of maintaining its strength even in high temperatures. Also read | SpaceX launches TATA Group satellite assembled and tested in India What's the special feature? ISRO mentioned a special feature of the C-C nozzle: it has a coating made of silicon carbide, which helps it work better in environments where oxidation occurs. This makes it stronger against heat and corrosion, allowing it to handle tough conditions. This improvement is important, especially for ISRO's main rocket, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). Currently, the PS4 stage of the PSLV uses nozzles made of a metal called columbium alloy. But if ISRO switches these out for C-C nozzles, they could make the rocket lighter by about 67 per cent. This change could let the PSLV carry 15 kg more payload into space, which is a big deal for missions. Testing the C-C nozzle was a big step for ISRO. They did a 60-second test on March 19, 2024, at the High-Altitude Test (HAT) facility in ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. This test showed that the system works well and the hardware is strong. Also watch | ISRO Chief S Somanath explains role of India's NavIC satellites; know all about NavIC satellites "Subsequent tests, including a 200-second hot test on April 2, 2024, further validated the nozzle's capabilities, with temperatures reaching 1216 K, matching predictions," the release said. The teamwork included the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Valiamala near Thiruvananthapuram, which planned and set up the test. The testing and execution happened at the High-Altitude Test (HAT) facility in IPRC, as mentioned. (With inputs from agencies)

ISRO scientists create new lightweight nozzle for rocket engines, call it ‘breakthrough’

<p>On January 20, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) achieved a significant milestone by successfully docking at the International Space Station (ISS). This feat follows the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on January 18, carrying a cohort of European astronauts, including Turkey's first space traveller and three representatives from the European Space Agency (ESA), from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.</p>

<p>The collaborative efforts of NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are currently in full swing as integrated operations are underway. This phase initiates during the spacecraft's approach to the ISS. NASA retains mission responsibility throughout integrated operations, encompassing the crew's stay aboard the orbiting laboratory, where they engage in scientific, educational, and commercial activities. The mission concludes upon Dragon's departure from the space station's vicinity.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-asteroid-turns-into-fireball-before-crashing-into-earth-in-germany-682483">Also read |&nbsp;Asteroid turns into fireball before crashing into Earth in Germany</a></p>

<h2><strong>Private crew mission: Axiom Space Mission 3</strong></h2>

<p>Axiom Space Mission 3 marks the third private crew mission to visit the ISS, ushering in a new era of space exploration.</p>

<p>The crew, composed entirely of private crew, is set to spend approximately 14 days aboard the ISS, undertaking up to 30 experiments. Their endeavours align with the ongoing activities of the seven astronauts already present on the space station.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;China Spy Balloon: Latest balloon sightings come after Taiwan Presidential polls</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-latest-balloon-sightings-come-after-presidential-polls-chinese-balloons-over-island-682511/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), expressed optimism for the future, stating, "This year will look much better." This positive outlook was shared during an annual press briefing, where the ESA disclosed a groundbreaking budget of €7.8 billion—the largest allocation ever dedicated to European space exploration.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


On January 20, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) achieved a significant milestone by successfully docking at the International Space Station (ISS). This feat follows the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on January 18, carrying a cohort of European astronauts, including Turkey's first space traveller and three representatives from the European Space Agency (ESA), from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

On January 20, Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) achieved a significant milestone by successfully docking at the International Space Station (ISS). This feat follows the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on January 18, carrying a cohort of European astronauts, including Turkey's first space traveller and three representatives from the European Space Agency (ESA), from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The collaborative efforts of NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are currently in full swing as integrated operations are underway. This phase initiates during the spacecraft's approach to the ISS. NASA retains mission responsibility throughout integrated operations, encompassing the crew's stay aboard the orbiting laboratory, where they engage in scientific, educational, and commercial activities. The mission concludes upon Dragon's departure from the space station's vicinity. Also read | Asteroid turns into fireball before crashing into Earth in Germany Private crew mission: Axiom Space Mission 3 Axiom Space Mission 3 marks the third private crew mission to visit the ISS, ushering in a new era of space exploration. The crew, composed entirely of private crew, is set to spend approximately 14 days aboard the ISS, undertaking up to 30 experiments. Their endeavours align with the ongoing activities of the seven astronauts already present on the space station. Also watch | China Spy Balloon: Latest balloon sightings come after Taiwan Presidential polls Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), expressed optimism for the future, stating, "This year will look much better." This positive outlook was shared during an annual press briefing, where the ESA disclosed a groundbreaking budget of €7.8 billion—the largest allocation ever dedicated to European space exploration. (With inputs from agencies)

Ax-3 Mission: All-European astronaut crew successfully reaches ISS

A Russian Cargo craft which is currently present at the International Space Station faced a problem. Russia's Space Agency said that the craft developed unexplainable loss of pressure.

Russia's Progress MS-21 cargo ship faces depressurisation

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ISRO scientists create new lightweight nozzle for rocket engines, call it ‘breakthrough’

Ax-3 Mission: All-European astronaut crew successfully reaches ISS

Russia's Progress MS-21 cargo ship faces depressurisation