India's First Privately Built FFSC Rocket Engine

Why in news?

A Bengaluru-based company, Astrobase Space Technologies, unveiled India's first privately built 800 kN Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) LOX-Methane rocket engine named EVEREST, making India the fourth nation with this technology.

Key points

1. 1India becomes the fourth nation after Russia, USA, and China to possess FFSC engine technology.
2. 2The engine is named EVEREST and is an 800 kN LOX-Methane rocket engine.
3. 3FFSC engines are advanced liquid rocket engines that use propellant more efficiently by routing it through separate pre-burners.
4. 4This development signifies a leap in India's private space sector capabilities.

Background & context

Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) is an advanced rocket engine cycle that offers higher efficiency and performance compared to conventional engines. Developing such technology requires significant expertise in propulsion systems and cryogenic engineering.