ISRO achieves breakthrough in Semicryogenic engine growth for LVM3

“Induction of the Semi cryogenic propulsion system together with an uprated cryogenic stage within the LVM3 car enhances its payload functionality from 4 tonne to five tonne within the Geosynchronous Switch Orbit (GTO),” ISRO added. File
| Picture Credit score: Reuters

ISRO has introduced vital progress within the design and growth of a Semicryogenic engine or Liquid Oxygen/Kerosene engine with a excessive thrust of two,000 kN (kilonewton) that may energy the Semicryogenic booster stage of the Launch Car Mark-3 (LVM3).

The primary main breakthrough within the semicryogenic engine growth programme was achieved on March 28, when the primary profitable sizzling take a look at of Engine Energy Head Check Article (PHTA), was carried out at ISRO Propulsion Advanced, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, it stated.

Highlighting that the Friday’s (March 28, 2025) take a look at demonstrated the graceful ignition and increase strap mode operation of the engine for a take a look at length of two.5 seconds, the house company stated the target of the take a look at was to validate the built-in efficiency of the vital subsystems such because the pre-burner, turbo pumps, begin system and management elements by finishing up a hot-firing for a short-duration of two.5 seconds.

“The take a look at proceeded as predicted and all of the engine parameters had been as anticipated. With this breakthrough, ISRO is additional planning a sequence of exams on the PHTA to additional validate and finetune the efficiency earlier than the realisation of the absolutely built-in engine,” it stated.

Noting that the Liquid Propulsion Programs Centre (LPSC) of ISRO is growing the Semi cryogenic propulsion Engine and Stage, ISRO stated the stage (SC120) powered by the two,000kN semi-cryogenic engine (SE2000) will substitute the current core liquid stage (L110) of LVM3 for payload enhancement and energy the booster phases of future launch autos.

Non poisonous and non hazardous propellants (Liquid Oxygen and Kerosene) are employed in Semi cryogenic propulsion and this may ship increased efficiency in comparison with current L110 stage.

Induction of the Semi cryogenic propulsion system together with an uprated cryogenic stage within the LVM3 car enhances its payload functionality from 4 tonne to five tonne in Geosynchronous Switch Orbit (GTO), it added.

In keeping with ISRO, main subsystems of the SE-2000 engine embrace thrust chamber, pre-burner, turbo pump system, management elements and begin up system.

“…the advanced engine {hardware} makes use of particular supplies to face up to the excessive temperature and oxidiser wealthy combustion. The {hardware} together with the house grade kerosene are realised in partnership with Indian business. The event of this engine in these excessive thrust ranges is very difficult and this know-how is offered with solely only a few nations.”

The realisation of a take a look at facility to qualify the engine and stage is equally advanced and difficult, ISRO stated.

The advanced Semicryogenic Built-in Engine Check facility (SIET) was established at its Propulsion Analysis Advanced (IPRC), Mahendragiri for testing the engine and stage and was devoted to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 27 final 12 months.

Previous to the conduct of built-in engine stage sizzling exams, it’s deliberate to hold out efficiency analysis exams of the intermediate configuration, designated as Energy Head Check Article (PHTA), which contains all of the engine methods besides the thrust chamber, it stated.

The recent take a look at that was carried out on Friday (March 28, 2025), is the primary of a sequence of exams deliberate to validate the design of the propellant feed system, together with the low-pressure and high-pressure turbo-pumps, the pre-burner, begin system and management elements.

“All subsystems for the take a look at had been realised and had undergone rigorous qualification exams previous to integration to Energy Head Check Article,” the house company stated.

The ignition sequence for PHTA was derived from a sequence of sizzling exams in single component stage, ISRO stated. As a way to guarantee the graceful ignition course of in the course of the PHTA take a look at, one other take a look at article, Pre-burner Ignition Check Article (PITA), was realised, which consists of the pre-burner together with its feed methods, start-systems, and associated management elements.

“A sequence of exams had been efficiently accomplished utilizing the PITA, and the optimum begin sequence for the facility head take a look at article was derived,” it stated.