ISRO tests semicryogenic engine in TN

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced significant progress in the design and development of a semicryogenic engine or liquid oxygen/kerosene engine with a high thrust of 2,000 kN (kilonewton) that will power the semicryogenic booster stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3).

The first major breakthrough in the semicryogenic engine development programme was achieved on March 28, when the first successful hot test of Engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA), was carried out at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, it said.

Highlighting that the Friday’s test demonstrated the smooth ignition and boost strap mode operation of the engine for a test duration of 2.5 seconds, the space agency said the objective of the test was to validate the integrated performance of the critical subsystems such as the pre-burner, turbo pumps, start system and control components by carrying out hot firing for a short duration of 2.5 seconds.

“The test proceeded as predicted and all engine parameters were as expected. With this breakthrough, ISRO is further planning a series of tests on the PHTA to further validate and fine-tune the performance before the realisation of the fully integrated engine,” it said.