Context: Recently, Stardust 1.0 has been launched from USA, which became the first commercial space launch powered by biofuel.

About Stardust 1.0

• Stardust 1.0 is a launch vehicle to launch small satellites called cubesats into space.
• It is 20 feet tall and has a mass of around 250 kg.
• The rocket can carry a maximum payload mass of 8 kg.
• It is powered by bio-derived fuels.
• It is relatively cheaper than traditional rocket fuels and less toxic for the environment.
• The rocket is manufactured by an aerospace company called blueshift.

About Biofuels

• Biofuel is any fuel that is derived from biomass i.e., plant or algae material or animal waste.
• These biomasses can be converted directly into liquid fuels that can be used as transportation fuels.
• It is a renewable source of energy as feed stocks can be replenished readily.
• It is a cost-effective and environmentally benign alternative to petroleum and other fossil fuels.

Types of Biofuel

First generation biofuels: Produced from sugar, starch, vegetable oil, or animal fats using conventional technology.

• Examples: Bio alcohols, Biodiesel, Vegetable oil, Bio ethers, Biogas, Syngas.

Second generation biofuels: Produced from non-food crops, such as cellulosic biofuels and waste biomass (stalks of wheat and corn, and wood).

• Examples: Biohydrogen, bio methanol.

Third generation biofuels: Produced from micro-organisms like algae.
Govt. initiatives on promoting biofuel
National Policy on Biofuels, 2018

• It envisages a strategic role for biofuels in the Indian Energy basket.
• Its aim is to achieve energy security of the country with a target of reducing import dependence i.e. usage of fossil fuels by 10% from 2014-15 levels by the year 2022.

First Generation Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, 2003

• EBP progamme was started to empower Oil Marketing Companies to procure ethanol from domestic sources.
• Nodal ministry: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
• Objective: Sale of 5% ethanol blended Petrol.

Aim

• Reducing import dependency
• Conserving foreign exchange
• Reducing carbon emissions
• Provide boost to agriculture sector

Pradhan Mantri Jaiv lndhan- Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran (PM JI-VAN) Yojana, 2019

• Aim: To incentivize 2G Ethanol sector and support this industry by creating a suitable ecosystem for setting up commercial projects and increasing Research & Development.

Promoting the use of Compressed Biogas (CBG)

• CBG is purified and compressed biogas generated in large biogas plant.
• It is also called as BioCNG as it is similar to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) but offers better calorific value.
• It is produced through a process of anaerobic decomposition from various waste/ biomass sources such as Agriculture residue, Cattle dung, Sugarcane press mud & spent wash of distilleries.
• It can be stored under pressure in gas cylinders for easy distribution.

Sustainable Alternative to Affordable Transport (SATAT) initiative

• In 2018, SATAT was launched by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas in association with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
• Aim: Setting up of Compressed Bio-Gas production plants and make it available in the market for use in automotive fuels by inviting Expression of Interest from potential entrepreneurs.
• Target: Production of 15 million metric tonnes (MMT) of CBG by 2023.

Key facts
Stardust Gen. 2

• It is a low-Earth orbit (LEO) vehicle.
• It is designed to fly a maximum payload of 30 kg.

New Shephard

• The rocket system is meant to take tourists to space.
• It offers flights to space over 100 km above Earth and accommodation for payloads.