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The Indiana Space and Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched a Fuel Cell Power System (FCPS) into outer space designed to test the power source of the upcoming Indian Space Station or Bhartiya Space Station. The experiment was launched aboard the PSLV-C58 Mission that carried the XpoSAT observatory to space. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath revealed the development after the successful launch of the XpoSAT mission.
About the Fuel Cell
The Fuel Cell was developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) one of the agencies of the ISRO, the cell is a new technology to pioneer a sustainable and efficient power in space exploration. The Fuel Cell was launched aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) which is essentially the fourth stage of the PSLV.
Initially placed into a 650km orbit with the X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite or the XpoSAT mission, the POEM fourth stage was subsequently lowered to a 350 km Orbit through a series of controlled maneuvers. The strategic lowering of the orbit was crucial for maintaining the stability required for the onboard experiments including the FCPS.
This innovative fuel cell technology is expected to be a game changer for long-duration space missions. Unlike traditional power systems, the fuel cell offers the advantage of conversion of chemical energy from fuels directly into electricity through electrochemical reactions providing a much longer supply of electrical energy.
Slated to be established in the LEO (Low Earth Orbit) at an altitude ranging from 120 to 140km, the space station is expected to serve as a platform for various microgravity experiments, contributing experiments contributing significantly to space science and technology.
The successful deployment and testing of the FCPS are indicative of ISRO Forward thinking approach to space explorations, by harnessing the potential of the fuel cell technology, the ISRO is not only paving the way for its ambitious space station projects but also setting a precedent for sustainable practices in space missions.
Bhartiya Space Station
The development of the Bhartiya Antariksha Station is an extension of ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission. It will be smaller than the International Space Station around 20 tonnes and will be used for microgravity experiments and not for space exploration. The preliminary plan is to accommodate astronauts for up to 20 days in space. To support the space station, ISRO is developing more powerful rockets capable of lifting 20-25 tonne payload to the LEO. These heavy lift vehicles will allow the assembling of a modular station by launching segments separately and joining them in space.
As per the ISRO Chairman, S. Somanath, the first module launch for the space station will take place in the year 2028, and by 2035, the Indian Space Station will become fully commissioned and operational. The module launch will be carried out using India’s LVM-3 Rocket.
The International Space Station (ISS) will be decommissioned by 2030. Major Space powers have developed their space stations taking into factor the decline of the ISS. China has Tiangong, Russia has ROS. Therefore, India must develop its station and join the league of advanced space-faring nations.
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