India is developing semi-cryogenic propulsion technology using kerosene as a propellant to enhance its capability to launch satellites in the six-tonne class.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman K Radhakrishnan was quoted by the PTI as saying that the technology is utilising liquid oxygen and aviation-grade kerosene instead of liquid hydrogen in case of cryogenic propulsion.

The new technology will bring down costs compared with the cryogenic technology.

The nation is developing the new technology in an effort to cut the cost of space projects.

Semi-cryogenic propulsion will enable India’s GSLV rockets to launch six tonne satellites, which at the moment can only launch up to 2.2 tonne satellites.