In Brief:
- Test Details: The hot test was conducted at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, operating the engine at a boosted 22-tonne (220 kN) thrust level under sea-level conditions.
- Simulated Altitude: Utilized a custom Nozzle Protection System (NPS) to simulate high-altitude vacuum conditions and protect the high-area-ratio nozzle during sea-level firing.
- Gaganyaan Boost: Demonstrated the LOX Tank Pressurisation Module (LTPM) designed specifically for the upgraded C32 cryogenic upper stage intended for human spaceflight missions.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a critical propulsion milestone on Wednesday, September 9, after successfully completing the flight acceptance hot test of the CE20 cryogenic engine at its Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. Earmarked for the C32 cryogenic upper stage of the seventh operational LVM3 mission (LVM3-M7), the engine was operated at an uprated thrust level of 22 tonnes (220 kN) to significantly boost the heavy-lift rocket's overall payload capacity. To overcome flow separation challenges during sea-level firing of a high-altitude nozzle, ISRO deployed a specialized Nozzle Protection System (NPS) to mimic flight-equivalent vacuum environments. Additionally, the test validated the performance of the LOX Tank Pressurisation Module (LTPM) required for the human-rated C32 stages of India's upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
