The Propulsion Module in Rocket (Chandrayaan 3)

The word ‘propel’ means to push forwards. The Propulsion Module weighs over 2148kg and generates 758W of power. Since Chandrayaan 3 does not have an orbiter propulsion module behaves like a communication relay satellite. It communicates with the ISDN satellite (Integrated Services Digital Network). The latest propulsion module is the RDRE (Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine). It carries the lander and rover configuration until the spacecraft is within 100km of the lunar orbit and separates the lander module once it is within 100km of the lunar orbit.

How does it work?

A Rocket generates thrust by combusting rocket fuel, which is expelled in the opposite direction, propelling the rocket upward. The working phenomenon of this principle is Newton’s third law of motion “Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.”

Components of The Propulsion Module:

1. Combustion Chamber: The heart of the propulsion module is the combustion chamber, where a mixture of propellant and oxidizer is ignited and burned in controlled conditions. This combustion generates a high-velocity exhaust of hot gases.

2. The Rocket Nozzle: The rocket engine utilizes a rocket nozzle to accelerate.

3. The Propellant Tanks: Rocket Propellant tanks are pressure vessels where liquid fuels are stored before use.

4. (TVC) Thrust Vector Control: Thrust Vector Control manipulates the direction of the thrust from its engine or controls the angular velocity of the vehicle.

5. Engine Control Unit: The brain of the propulsion module, this unit manages the flow of propellants, controls the ignition sequence, monitors various parameters, and adjusts the thrust as needed for optimal performance.

6. Ignition system: Initiating combustion is a critical task. The ignition system, whether using electrical sparks, hypergolic reactions, or other methods, triggers the combustion process and sets the rocket on its fiery journey.

Advantages of The Propulsion Module:

• It offers load diversity due to single central power generation.
• It offers greater benefits to the environment due to the reduction in fuel consumption.

Disadvantages of The Propulsion Module:

• It cannot provide high-speed efficiency because it cannot hold much fuel.
• The propulsion module has a limited payload capacity. Exceeding this capacity by holding more fuel than it can handle could have serious consequences.
• It costs high due to the risk of failure which means there is a need for extensive testing.

Types of Propulsion Module:

There are four main and most commonly used propulsion modules in rockets:

1. Chemical Propulsion: It is the most common type of rocket propulsion. It uses the combustion of fuel and oxidizer to produce hot gases that are expelled out of the rocket nozzle, generating thrust, chemical rockets can be either liquid-fueled or solid-fueled.
2. Electric Propulsion: It uses electricity to accelerate a propellant, such as ions or electrons. Electric propulsion is much more efficient than chemical propulsion but produces less thrust. Electric rockets are often used for spacecraft that need to manoeuvre in space as satellites and probes.
3. Cold Gas Propulsion: It uses pressurized gas to produce thrust . Cold gas thrusters are small and lightweight, making them ideal for small spacecraft . They are often used for attitude control or to make small adjustments to a spacecraft’s trajectory.
4. Nuclear Thermal Propulsion: It uses the heat from a nuclear reactor to heat a propellant such as hydrogen to very high temperatures. The hot propellant is then expelled out of the rocket nozzle, generating thrust nuclear thermal rockets are very powerful and also very complex and expensive.

The specific type of propulsion used in a rocket depends on the mission.

Conclusion:

The main motive of the propulsion module is generating thrust which plays a crucial role in a rocket mission.