Semi-Cryogenic Engine

Semi-Cryogenic Engine Latest News 

ISRO recently successfully conducted the hot test on a semi-cryogenic engine (SE2000), coming closer to finalising the crucial cryogenic stage.

About Semi-Cryogenic Engine

• A semi-cryogenic engine (SCE) is a liquid rocket engine that uses liquid oxygen (LOX) as an oxidizer and refined kerosene as fuel. 
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing a semi-cryogenic engine with a thrust of 2000 kN to power the booster stages of future heavy-lift launch vehicles. This engine utilizes a combination of liquid oxygen (LOX) and refined kerosene (RP-1) as propellants. 
• The semi-cryogenic engine offers several advantages over traditional cryogenic engines, including:
  • Higher Density Impulse: The LOX-kerosene combination provides a higher density impulse compared to LOX-liquid hydrogen, resulting in improved performance.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Kerosene is more cost-effective and easier to handle than liquid hydrogen, reducing overall mission costs.
  • Operational Efficiency: Kerosene can be stored at ambient temperatures, simplifying storage and handling requirements.
• The development of this engine is expected to enhance the payload capacity of ISRO’s existing launch vehicles, such as the LVM3, and is also planned for use in future launch vehicles like the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).

Difference Between Semi-Cryogenic Engine and Cryogenic Engine

• Unlike a cryogenic engine, a semi-cryogenic engine uses refined kerosene instead of liquid hydrogen. The liquid oxygen is used as an oxidiser. 
• “The advantage of using a semi-cryogenic engine is that it requires refined kerosene, which is lighter than liquid fuel and can be stored at a normal temperature.

Semi-Cryogenic Engine FAQs

Q1: What is a semi-cryo engine?

Ans: A semi-cryogenic engine is an advanced rocket propulsion system that uses liquid oxygen as an oxidizer and refined kerosene as fuel, offering higher thrust and improved payload capacity for space launches.

Q2. What is the difference between cryogenic and semi-cryogenic?

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Ans: Cryogenic engines use liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, both stored at extremely low temperatures. Semi-cryogenic engines use refined kerosene (stored at room temperature) and liquid oxygen, simplifying fuel handling and increasing density.

Q3. What is the fuel in a semi-cryogenic engine?

Ans: The fuel used in a semi-cryogenic engine is refined kerosene, also known as RP-1 (Rocket Propellant-1). It is combined with liquid oxygen as the oxidizer to produce thrust.

Source: IE