The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully developed and realized a 10-tonne propellant mixer for solid rocket motors, marking a significant advancement in India's space propulsion capabilities. This high-capacity mixer is a vital component in the production of solid propellants, which serve as the backbone of rocket motors used in India’s space transportation systems.
Solid propulsion plays a critical role in India’s space programs, providing the necessary thrust for launch vehicles. The newly developed vertical mixer is an essential piece of equipment that ensures precise mixing of solid propellants, which consist of highly sensitive and hazardous materials. According to ISRO, the enhanced scale of production made possible by this mixer will improve both the efficiency and quality of solid motor manufacturing.
To scale up the production of solid motor segments, ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, collaborated with the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bengaluru, to design and develop the 10-tonne Vertical Planetary Mixer. This cutting-edge technology represents a major step in indigenous advancements in space propulsion, strengthening India's self-reliance in critical aerospace engineering.
ISRO has hailed the 10-tonne vertical mixer as a technological marvel, being the largest solid propellant mixing equipment in the world. The development involved collaborations with academia and industrial partners, demonstrating India's growing capability in the manufacturing of complex aerospace machinery. The mixer has successfully completed factory-level acceptance tests, ensuring its readiness for operational deployment.
The implementation of the high-capacity mixer will significantly improve productivity, quality, and throughput in the manufacturing of heavy solid motors. With its advanced mixing technology, the system ensures that the sensitive ingredients used in solid propellant production are blended precisely, minimizing risks and enhancing performance.
As part of India’s push for self-reliance in space technology, the Department of Space has undertaken multiple initiatives to develop indigenous technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes. The realization of the 10-tonne vertical mixer is a testament to India’s commitment to technological innovation and self-sufficiency, aligning with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India).
The 10-tonne vertical mixer, weighing approximately 150 tonnes, boasts the following specifications:
Dimensions: 5.4 meters (length) × 3.3 meters (breadth) × 8.7 meters (height).
Multiple Agitators: The system is equipped with hydrostatic-driven agitators to ensure a uniform mix of propellant components.
Remote Operation: The mixer is controlled remotely using a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)-based control system with SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) stations, enhancing safety and precision during propellant mixing.
The official handover of the 10-tonne vertical mixer took place at CMTI, Bengaluru, in the presence of ISRO Chairperson V Narayanan. The equipment was formally presented to the Director of SDSC SHAR by the Director of CMTI, marking a milestone in India’s solid motor production capabilities.
Conclusion: A Leap Forward in Space Propulsion Technology
The development of the 10-tonne vertical mixer is a major step in India’s space technology advancements, ensuring that the nation continues to expand its launch vehicle capabilities. With this state-of-the-art mixing technology, ISRO aims to boost the production of high-performance solid rocket motors, reinforcing India’s position as a leader in space exploration.