ISRO has achieved a breakthrough in Semicryogenic Engine development | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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ISRO has achieved a breakthrough in Semicryogenic Engine development

Posted 31 Mar 2025

2 min read

The first successful hot test of the Engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA) was conducted at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri (Tamil Nadu).

  • It will power the Semicryogenic booster stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3).
    • LVM3 is a three-stage launch vehicle consisting of two solid strap-on motors (S200), one liquid core stage (L110), and a high-thrust cryogenic upper stage (C25).

About the Test

  • The stage (SC120) powered by the 2,000 kN (kilonewton)  semi-cryogenic engine (SE2000) will replace the present core liquid stage (L110) of LVM3 for payload enhancement and power the booster stages of future launch vehicles.
  • Non-toxic and non-hazardous propellants (Liquid Oxygen and Kerosene) are employed in semi-cryogenic propulsion.
  • A semi-cryogenic propulsion system and uprated cryogenic stage in the LVM3 vehicle enhances its payload capability from 4 tonne to 5 tonne in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits (GTO).

What is a Semicryogenic Engine?

  • ISRO is developing a 2000 kN thrust semi-cryogenic engine working on an LOX (Liquid Oxygen) Kerosene propellant combination for enhancing the payload capability of LVM3 and for future launch vehicles. 
  • Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) is the lead centre for the development of semi-cryogenic propulsion systems with the support of other launch vehicle centres of ISRO.
  • Tags :
  • ISRO
  • Launch Vehicle Mark-3
  • Semi Cryogenic Engine
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