TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
CONTEXT: Recently, two NASA astronauts aboard Boeing’s Starliner will stay on the International Space Station for months because of a faulty propulsion system whose problems included helium leaks.
EXPLANATION:
What is Helium?
Helium is a colourless, doorless, tasteless, non-toxic, inert gas. It is the second lightest and second most abundant element in the observable universe, after hydrogen. Chemical Symbol (He) and Atomic Number 2.
- Occurrence: Helium is found in natural gas deposits and is produced through the radioactive decay of heavy elements.
- Inertness: Helium is chemically inert, meaning it does not react with other elements or compounds.
- Low Boiling Point: It has an extremely low boiling point of -268.93°C (-452.07°F), making it a liquid at very low temperatures.
- Low Density: Helium is lighter than air, which allows it to float when used in balloons and airships.
Why is Helium Used in Rockets:
Helium is used in rockets because it is inert, non-reactive, and has a very boiling point (-268.9°C), allowing it to remain a gas in extremely cold conditions. It pressurizes fuel tanks, ensuring smooth fuel flow to the engines, and is safe to use with residual fuel. Its small size helps detect leaks, making it valuable for maintaining rocket systems.
- Helium is used as a cryogenic coolant for rocket engines. The low boiling point of helium makes it ideal for cooling and maintaining the temperature of cryogenic fuels like liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2).
- Effective cooling is crucial for maintaining the stability and efficiency of rocket propellants and for preventing their premature vaporization.
Gas Pressurization: Helium is used to pressurize rocket fuel tanks. As an inert gas, it is used to ensure that the propellants remain in liquid form under high pressure, which is necessary for efficient combustion in rocket engines.
- Helium’s low density and inert nature make it suitable for pressurizing tanks without reacting with the fuel or causing any contamination.
Avoiding Contamination:
- Inert Nature: Since helium is chemically inert, it does not react with other substances in the rocket engine or propellant systems. This is critical for preventing contamination and ensuring the purity and performance of the rocket fuel.
Engine Performance:
- Efficient Combustion: By maintaining proper temperatures and pressures, helium contributes to the efficient combustion of rocket fuels. This enhances the overall performance and reliability of rocket engines.
- Lightweight: Its low density reduces overall rocket weight, improving fuel efficiency and performance.
Safety:
- Non-flammable: Helium is non-flammable, which reduces the risk of fire or explosion in the rocket’s fuel systems. Its use helps in ensuring the safety of both the rocket and its launch operations.
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