Read the following statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Choose the correct option.
Assertion (A): The development of Spark Torch igniters is essential for the feasibility of fully reusable rocket booster stages and spacecraft requiring multiple engine firings in orbit.
Reason (R): Spark Torch igniters provide highly reliable and repeatable ignition capability in vacuum conditions, a critical requirement for successive engine restarts during complex mission profiles.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Spark Torch igniters are fundamental to reusable rocketry because they replace traditional one-time chemical igniters with a system that can be fired hundreds of times. Unlike pyrotechnic igniters that burn out after one use, a spark torch uses the rocket's own propellants to create a miniature flame (a "torch") to light the main chamber. This reliability in vacuum conditions allows engines to restart mid-flight for landing maneuvers or orbital changes, making complex mission profiles and booster recovery possible.