If you have seen a ISRO rocket launch you will know that many things seem to fall from it. What are these things? and why are they used. This article covers it all.
If you understand Hindi , you can watch this video instead:
These are poly urethane sheets. Let’s check the placement of these in each of ISRO’s operational rockets.
Here it is on the PSLV on the 2nd stage:
Here it is on the GSLV MK2 on the boosters and 2nd stage:
Probabaly has most of them.
Here it is on the GSLV MK3 on the core stage:
Whats common between them ? they all use a Vikas engine. Vikas engine requires hypergolic fuel. In ISRO’s case it uses UDMH and N2O4. These fuels have a relatively low boiling point. UDMH has a boiling point of 63°C and N2O4 boils at 21 °C. Hence these sheets/pads serve as a thermal insulation to the Hypergolic tanks and protect them from direct sunlight. The cords holding them are cut during lift off.
