🚀 Propulsion Systems (Service Module)

The propulsion system in the Gaganyaan Service Module plays a vital role in maneuvering the spacecraft while in orbit and ensuring a safe de-orbit for the Crew Module before re-entry. It includes both main thrusters and small attitude control engines.

• Bipropellant Engines: The primary engines operate using a bipropellant system (MMH – Monomethylhydrazine as fuel and N2O4 – Nitrogen Tetroxide as oxidizer), capable of delivering precise thrust for orbital corrections.
• Attitude Control Thrusters: A set of smaller engines provides 3-axis orientation control, keeping the spacecraft stable and aligned during its orbital phase.
• De-orbit Burn: Before re-entry, the propulsion system initiates a controlled burn to reduce velocity and lower the orbital altitude of the Crew Module.
• Redundancy: Critical thruster components are duplicated to ensure reliability in case of failure.
• Integration with Avionics: The propulsion unit is fully integrated with onboard guidance and control systems to enable precise, autonomous maneuvering.

These propulsion elements are tested under rigorous conditions to simulate space operations and ensure that astronauts can be safely navigated and returned from orbit.