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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant breakthrough in rocket propulsion technology with the development of a lightweight, carbon-carbon (C-C) nozzle for its rocket engines. This innovation, pioneered by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), promises to enhance several critical aspects of rocket engines, ultimately leading to increased payload capacity for ISRO's launch vehicles.

The key advantage of the C-C nozzle lies in its significantly reduced weight.  Compared to traditional materials, the carbon-fiber composite construction offers a substantial weight reduction, particularly valuable in the upper stages of rockets.  This translates into a potential payload increase. For instance, the C-C nozzle could increase the payload capacity of the reliable Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) by an impressive 15 kilograms, a significant gain for satellite launches.

But the benefits of the C-C nozzle extend beyond weight reduction. The use of carbon-carbon composite material also improves other crucial engine parameters.  These include:

• Thrust Levels: The C-C nozzle design allows for more efficient channeling of the hot exhaust gases, leading to a potential increase in overall thrust generated by the engine.

• Specific Impulse: This refers to the efficiency of the engine in converting propellant into thrust. The C-C nozzle's design is expected to improve this metric as well.

• Thrust-to-Weight Ratio: By reducing weight while potentially increasing thrust, the C-C nozzle promises to improve the overall thrust-to-weight ratio of the engine, a key factor in a rocket's performance.

The successful testing of the C-C nozzle marks a major milestone for ISRO.  Rigorous testing at the High-Altitude Test (HAT) facility at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) confirmed the system's performance and hardware integrity.  These tests culminated in a 200-second hot fire on April 2, 2024, where the nozzle performed as expected, reaching temperatures of over 1200 Kelvin.

This development is a testament to ISRO's ongoing efforts to refine and improve its spacefaring technologies. The C-C nozzle has the potential to be a game-changer for ISRO's launch capabilities, allowing them to carry heavier payloads into space and further advance India's space exploration endeavors.