Read the following statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Choose the correct option.
Assertion (A): Liquid Oxygen-Methane (LOX-Meth) has been chosen as the preferred propellant combination for India's Next-Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).
Reason (R): LOX-Meth offers advantages such as cleaner combustion for engine reusability, relatively simpler propellant tank designs compared to LOX-Hydrogen, and a lower overall operational cost than kerosene due to reduced engine refurbishment.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation:
- Assertion (A) is correct: ISRO plans to use a mixture of Liquid Oxygen and Methane (LOX-Methane) for its Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), which is also being referred to as 'Soorya'.
- Reason (R) is correct and provides an accurate explanation: Clean Combustion: Unlike kerosene, methane does not deposit soot inside the engine upon combustion; consequently, the engine does not require frequent cleaning to facilitate reusability.
- Simpler Design: Methane is easier to store than hydrogen because it does not require extremely low (cryogenic) temperatures, thereby simplifying the tank design.
- Cost: It strikes an excellent balance between kerosene and hydrogen, resulting in reduced operational costs.
Additional Points:
- Goal of NGLV: This rocket is being designed to carry heavy payloads (exceeding approximately 10 tons) into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
- Environmentally Friendly: Methane is also categorized as a 'green propellant' because it is less toxic compared to traditional hypergolic fuels.
- Global Trend: SpaceX's 'Starship' also utilizes this same Methalox (Methane + Liquid Oxygen) technology.
Potential Q&A:
Question 1: What is the name of the ISRO project currently testing reusable launch vehicle technology?
Answer: RLV-TD (Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator).
Question 2: Which two gases are used in their liquid state within a cryogenic engine?
Answer: Liquid Hydrogen (as fuel) and Liquid Oxygen (as an oxidizer). Question 3: What will be the primary use of the NGLV?
Answer: It will be used for the launch of heavy communication satellites, deep space missions, and the construction of the future Indian space station.