ISRO fires up advanced rocket engine, marking key milestone in development of new propulsion system

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday announced that it has successfully conducted a hot test of its semi-cryogenic engine power head at 88% of its target thrust, marking a key milestone in the development of a new propulsion system.

The crucial test, conducted on June 24 at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Tamil Nadu, encompassed all engine systems except the thrust chamber. It demonstrated stable operation of the engine’s power head at a thrust level of 175 tons.

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The system test conducted on Wednesday marked the eighth one in a series of hot tests using the Power Head Test Article (PHTA), as it followed earlier tests at 47% and 60% thrust, the space agency said, adding the latest achievement will provide “sufficient confidence” to proceed with a full-thrust demonstration at 200 tons.

Speaking to reporters, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan says, “…a test that was conducted, excluding the thrust chamber…we have taken close to 90% of the thrust load…it was a major achievement and milestone, and now we are getting ready for the engine test…"

"Satellites are ready, and we are working on that, an exact date will be provided soon…Gaganyaan is a technology-intensive mission. We have to do the human-rating of the vehicle…before sending actual human beings, we have to do 3 uncrewed missions, and we are working towards the first uncrewed mission. You will come to know about the dates very shortly…” he added.

ISRO is developing the Semi-Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (SC120) to replace the core stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle. Terming the upgrade as "strategic", the space agency said that it expects to substantially increase the payload capacity while enhancing operational efficiency and would use liquid oxygen and kerosene-based fuel.

"The integration of the Semicryogenic propulsion system, in tandem with an uprated cryogenic upper stage, signifies a major advancement in ISRO’s roadmap towards enhancing LVM3 payload capability," the space agency said.

Earlier in March, ISRO conducted a sea level hot test of its cryogenic engine at 22 tonne thrust, up from earlier 19 tonne thrust, using nozzle protection system and multi-element igniter at its propulsion complex in Mahendragiri.

The CE20 cryogenic engine currently powers the upper cryogenic stage of LVM3 launch vehicle.

The space agency is planning future missions of LVM3 to be operated with an uprated C32 stage with 22 tonne thrust for the CE20 engine to enhance the payload capability of the vehicle.