ISRO RESPOND Facilitates Research in Advanced Space Propulsion Technology at Amrita School of Engineering, Coimbatore

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore campus, has been successful in obtaining a very lucrative research project through the ISRO RESPOND Program for the development of an advanced Portable Thrust Measurement System [TMS] for micro-propulsion purposes.

The research project “Development of Portable Thrust Measurement System [TMS] for Thrust Range 5mN to 50mN” will focus on solving a major problem faced by space propulsion researchers – the problem of measurement of micro-thrust for propulsion systems of small satellites and ion thrusters.

This research project is headed by Dr. T. Mohanraj, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Amrita School of Engineering, Coimbatore, as Principal Investigator. The other Co-Principal Investigators include Dr. K. Devarajan and Dr. B. Santhosh, both Assistant Professors (SG).

Existing thrust measurement systems are cumbersome, expensive, and difficult to operate when not in laboratory conditions; this inhibits progress in thrust measurement. The aim of this project is to design a thrust measurement system that is small and portable, capable of measuring thrust ranging from 5 mN to 50 mN.

The device will be based on an innovative inverted pendulum design, laser-based displacement sensors, and efficient heat management methods to guarantee functionality within a vacuum environment without being affected by other external factors.

The device’s portability and accuracy make it highly suitable for both lab-based and field testing of micro-thrust engines. It is estimated that the project will yield two working prototypes that could speed up the process of propulsion testing and research.

Such a system will serve to:

• Accelerate the development cycle of micro-propulsion technology.
• Provide an economical and convenient means of testing for both academic and industrial purposes.
• Ensure accuracy in the study of thrust performance required for future satellite launches.

This project falls within the ambit of India’s growing fascination with modern technology in space, which includes advancements in satellite propelling systems. This system would integrate the most effective features of the laboratory environment with practicality, thus making a significant contribution to space propulsion research and advancements in the emerging aerospace industry.