February 13, 2025

Department of Space has undertaken multiple initiatives towards indigenous development of critical technologies, materials and machinery as part of ‘Atmanirbharatain Space’. Realisation of indigenous 10 ton vertical mixer is a true testament to India’s growing technological prowess, self-reliance and unwavering commitment to innovation.

Solid propulsion plays a crucial role in Indian Space Transportation Systems and vertical mixer is one of the critical equipment in solid motor production.Solid propellants are the backbone of rocket motors, and their production requires precise mixing of highly sensitive and hazardous ingredients.Towards increasing the production scale of solid motor segments,Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, ISRO in collaboration with M/s Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bangalore, a premier research and development organization under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, has successfully designed and developed 10 ton Vertical Planetary Mixers for processing the solid propellants, which is a significant technological marvel.

The 10 ton vertical mixer is the world's largest solid propellant mixing equipment. The development involves collaboration with academia and industries and has successfully completed factory level acceptance tests. This high-capacity mixer will enable the productivity, quality and throughput improvement for the heavy solid motors production. The 10 ton vertical mixer is handed over to Director, SDSC SHAR by Director, CMTI in the presence of Secretary, DOS / Chairman, ISRO on 13th February, 2025 in CMTI, Bengaluru.

The 10 ton vertical mixer weighs about 150 tons with the length of 5.4 m, breadth of 3.3 m & height of 8.7 m. The system has multiple agitators which are hydrostatic driven and will be remotely operated using PLC based control system with SCADA stations.