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.
A major highlight of the project is the indigenous realisation of complex engine hardware, including thrust chambers, pre-burners, turbo pumps, control components, and startup systems. The Semicryogenic Integrated Engine Test facility (SIET) at ISRO Propulsion Research Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 27, 2024, and is equipped to test engines up to 2600 kN thrust.
Before the integrated engine-level tests, ISRO conducted a series of performance evaluation tests on the Power Head Test Article (PHTA), which includes all engine systems except the thrust chamber. The PHTA hot test aimed to validate the propellant feed system, turbo pumps, pre-burner, startup system, and control components. The test was preceded by trials on the Pre-burner Ignition Test Article (PITA) to refine the ignition sequence.
The test, which lasted 2.5 seconds, successfully demonstrated smooth ignition and engine operation in bootstrap mode, with all engine parameters performing as expected. ISRO confirmed that further tests would be conducted to refine and validate the engine’s performance before the full-scale integration of the SE2000 engine.
This technological advancement places India among a select group of nations capable of developing high-thrust Semicryogenic engines, marking a significant leap in the country’s space capabilities.
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