TAMIL NADU: The Indian Space Research Organisation announced the successful trial of the indigenous CE20 cryogenic engine. The indigenous cryogenic engine will power the upper stage of LVM3, and the test was conducted in vacuum conditions at the High Altitude Test Facility located at ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, on Friday.
ISRO said in a statement that the thrust chamber of the engine was ignited using a multi-element igniter, simulating the tank pressure conditions expected during the engine's restart in flight. The organization said the performance of both the engine and the testing facility was as expected, indicating a successful trial.
The CE20 engine is a significant part of the Gaganyaan mission being undertaken by India to send astronauts into space. Restarting a cryogenic engine inherently poses complex issues, and ISRO is looking into initiation of turbopumps in bootstrap mode rather than the traditional stored gas system. This innovative design is intended to allow both the thrust chamber and the gas generator to re-ignite under tank head conditions.
ISRO has planned a series of tests to enhance the capability of the engine for multiple restarts during flight. The CE20 engine has already been qualified to operate at thrust levels between 19 tons and 22 tons with a single start, making it suitable for the Gaganyaan mission. The engine was developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre of ISRO.
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