Mahendragiri, Mar 29 (UNI) The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone in its Semicryogenic Engine development programme with the successful hot test of the Engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA) at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, on Friday.
The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) is spearheading the development of the Semicryogenic propulsion system, which features a high-thrust 2000 kN Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Kerosene engine. This advanced engine, designated as SE2000, is designed to power the Semicryogenic booster stage (SC120) of the LVM3 launch vehicle, replacing the existing core liquid stage (L110) to enhance payload capacity.
ISRO stated that the induction of the Semicryogenic propulsion system, combined with an upgraded cryogenic stage, will boost LVM3’s payload capability from 4 tonnes to 5 tonnes in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). The SE2000 engine incorporates an oxidiser-rich staged combustion cycle, a high chamber pressure of 180 bar, and a propellant feed system capable of delivering pressures up to 600 bar, with a specific impulse of 335 seconds.