ISRO Tests Next Gen Rocket For Future Missions
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
ISRO has successfully conducted a hot test of its semi-cryogenic engine at 175 tonnes of thrust—the highest achieved so far—as it moves closer to qualifying the engine for future upgrades to the LVM3 rocket.
What happened?
Hot test conducted at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu
Eighth hot test using the Power Head Test Article (PHTA)
PHTA includes all major engine systems except the thrust chamber
Test highlights
175 tonnes of thrust achieved for the first time
Equals 88% of the engine's full 200-tonne capacity
Earlier tests were conducted at:
94 tonnes (47%)
120 tonnes (60%)
Main turbopumps delivered outlet pressures of 400 bar and 500 bar
ISRO said all engine parameters remained within the expected range during the test
What's next?
The successful test clears the way for the engine's full 200-tonne thrust trial, the final major step before completing development.
Why this matters
The SC120 semi-cryogenic stage, powered by the SE2000 engine, is being developed to replace the L110 liquid core stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle.
The upgrade is expected to:
Increase LVM3's payload carrying capacity
Improve overall launch efficiency
Use Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Isrosene (purified kerosene), considered cleaner and non-toxic propellants
Future use
ISRO plans to pair the new semi-cryogenic stage with an upgraded cryogenic upper stage to support:
Heavier satellite launches
Deep-space missions
Future human spaceflight programmes under India's expanding space ambitions
