ISRO Achieves Realisation of World’s Largest 10-Tonne Heavy Mixer

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has accomplished the next phase of their 10-tonne heavy propellant mixer: realisation. ISRO has developed the world’s largest “solid propellant mixing equipment”, that will be able to combine hazardous materials needed to power rocket motors. Unveiling the mixer has come after some fairly major milestones including the Aditya-L1 solar mission and Chandrayaan-3’s lunar landers success.

In a statement, ISRO said: “Department of Space has undertaken multiple initiatives towards indigenous development of critical technologies, materials and machinery as part of ‘Atmanirbharatain Space’. Realisation of indigenous 10 ton vertical mixer is a true testament to India’s growing technological prowess, self-reliance and unwavering commitment to innovation.”

What went into developing ISRO’s 10-Tonne Heavy Mixer?

As part of ISRO’s native development of in-space projects, the heavy propellant mixer will play a significant role in upcoming Indian space missions. Labelled Atmanirbharatain Space, ISRO undertook the project to accelerate their critical technology and machinery. 

ISRO said “Solid propulsion plays a crucial role in Indian Space Transportation Systems and vertical mixer is one of the critical equipment in solid motor production.” Therefore, it’s evident that India’s space agency has no plans to slow their progress. 

The heavy vertical planetary mixer was designed and built In collaboration with Satish Dhawan Space Centre and M/s Central Manufacturing Technology Institute. Weighing approximately 150 tonnes, ISRO outlined that the mixer is hydrostatically driven. It will also have the capability to be remotely operated via a base control system. 

Why ISRO Built This Monumentally Giant Mixer

Acting as the apparent backbone of rocket motors, ISRO argued, the heavy propellant mixer will enable more precise mixing of sensitive materials. Such materials can include fuel and oxidiser. As a result, the mixing will provide more power when thrusting a rocket into orbit. ISRO called the heavy mixer: “a significant technological marvel.” 

Whilst in the development phase, ISRO outlined that the heavy mixer successfully underwent acceptance testing. This was a pivotal stage of the process to realise the project. But ultimately, the mixer will afford ISRO with greater capabilities for improving and augmenting the production of their solid rocket motors. Since unveiling the mixer, it’s now been passed over to SDSC SHAR, ISRO said.

Underpinning ISRO’s Space Activities

ISRO’s activities haven’t lulled in recent years, with many key projects achieving success. And with the unveiling of their heavy mixer, it’s telling that more space projects are on the horizon. The agency is also aiming to rely more so on their indigenous technology development. 

A report by the World Economic Forum outlined that India will capture, by 2033, 8% of the global space market. Equally, India is expected to grow its space industry by $44 billion within this timeframe. Natively designed and constructed technology, such as their 10-tonne Heavy Mixer, will play a major role in this feat. 

On the global stage, India has already accomplished a lot. They reached the Moon under their Chandrayaan-3 mission – with a Chandrayaan-4 mission in the works. They’ve also become the fourth country to achieve unmanned space docking through SpaDex. These are just some of the missions India has undertaken. But with the deployment of their 10-tonne Heavy Mixer, ISRO’s rocket arsenal – including the NGLV – will have a needed boost to underpin India’s growing in-space potential.