- According to the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, ISRO is developing green propellants for use in future rocket & satellite propulsion systems.
- All space faring nations have been investigating green propulsion systems to minimise environmental impact while improving overall efficiency and economy.
- ISRO has made a beginning by developing an eco-friendly solid propellant based on Glycidyl Azide Polymer (GAP) as fuel and Ammonium Di-Nitramide (ADN) as oxidizer at the laboratory level, which will eliminate the emission of chlorinated exhaust products from rocket motors.
- In addition, ISRO is also carrying out various technology demonstration projects involving green propellant combinations such as Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2), Kerosene, Liquid Oxygen (LOX), Liquid Methane, ADN-Methanol-water, ADN-Glycerol-water etc.
- ISRO has already begun the move towards environment-friendly and green propellants with the acceptance of Liquid Oxygen (LOX)/Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) and LOX/Kerosene based propulsion systems for launch vehicles, and use of electric propulsion for spacecraft.
- The LOX/LH2 combination is already being used in the cryogenic upper stages of GSLV and GSLV Mk-III launch vehicles. ISRO has successfully developed ISROSENE, which is a rocket grade version of kerosene as an alternative to conventional hydrazine rocket fuel.
- ISRO has successfully demonstrated electric propulsion system for station keeping operations in the South Asia Satellite, launched on May 5, 2017.
