NEW DELHI: In its quest for self-reliance within the space sector, Isro has announced the successful development of a 10-tonne ‘vertical planetary mixer’, the largest of its kind for solid propellants globally. This innovative equipment has been designed and manufactured in collaboration with the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) in Bengaluru.
Solid propulsion plays a crucial role in Indian space transportation systems and vertical mixer is one of the critical equipment in production of a solid motor of a rocket. “Solid propellants are the backbone of rocket motors, and their production requires precise mixing of highly sensitive and hazardous ingredients,” Isro said, adding “the 10-tonne vertical mixer is the world’s largest solid propellant mixing equipment”.
The formal handover of the 10-tonne mixer took place on Feb 13 at CMTI, Bengaluru, where the director of Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, received the mixer from the CMTI director in the presence of Isro chairman V Narayanan. The new system is expected to play a crucial role in advancing India’s spaceflight capabilities.
“Department of Space has undertaken multiple initiatives towards indigenous development of critical technologies, materials and machinery as part of ‘atma-nirbharata (self reliance)’ in space. Realisation of indigenous 10-tonne vertical mixer is a true testament to India’s growing technological prowess, self-reliance and unwavering commitment to innovation,” the space agency said.
Solid rocket motors require precise mixing of sensitive and hazardous ingredients. The new vertical mixer will improve the efficiency and safety of this process. The mixer weighs about 150 tonnes with a length of 5.4 m, breadth of 3.3 m & height of 8.7 m. The development involves collaboration with academia and industries and has successfully completed factory-level acceptance tests.
Isro said the mixer will significantly improve productivity, quality and throughput in heavy solid motor production.