Topics Covered: Awareness in space.
What is Stardust 1.0, the first rocket to run on biofuel?
Context:
Stardust 1.0 was launched on Jan 31st from Loring Commerce Centre in Maine, US.
- It has become the first commercial space launch powered by biofuel, which is non-toxic for the environment as opposed to traditionally used rocket fuels.
- Stardust 1.0 is a launch vehicle suited for student and budget payloads.
What are Biofuels?
Any hydrocarbon fuel that is produced from an organic matter (living or once living material) in a short period of time (days, weeks, or even months) is considered a biofuel.
Biofuels may be solid, liquid or gaseous in nature.
- Solid: Wood, dried plant material, and manure.
- Liquid: Bioethanol and Biodiesel.
- Gaseous: Biogas.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- What is a biofuel?
- Categorisation of biofuels.
- Overview of National Policy on Biofuels.
- What is ethanol? How is it produced?
- About Stardust 1.0.
Mains Link:
Discuss the importance of biofuels for India? Critically examine whether the national policy on biofuels will help India unlock it’s biofuel potential?
Sources: Indian Express.
