The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced a significant breakthrough in propulsion technology on Thursday, following a successful sea-level test of its CE20 cryogenic engine. Conducted on November 29 at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, the test marks a crucial step forward in the development of India’s space mission capabilities, including its ambitious Gaganyaan manned spaceflight program.
The CE20 engine, developed indigenously by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, has been instrumental in powering six LVM3 missions so far, with a thrust level of 19 tonnes. The engine has now been upgraded to deliver a thrust of 20 tonnes, and is set to achieve 22 tonnes for the future C32 stage, significantly enhancing the payload capacity of the LVM3 launch vehicle.
Key to this test was the demonstration of the engine’s restart capabilities—an essential feature for future crewed space missions. One of the standout features of this test was the successful evaluation of a multi-element igniter, critical for enabling engine restart. Restarting a cryogenic engine is challenging, especially when it involves vacuum ignition without nozzle closure, a problem that has already been successfully addressed in earlier ground tests.
Another innovative aspect of this test was the introduction of the “Nozzle Protection System,” designed to tackle issues like flow separation within the nozzle. Such problems could lead to vibrations, thermal damage, and other complications that could jeopardize engine performance. The new system ensured a more efficient testing process and provided a cost-effective alternative to the traditional High-Altitude Test (HAT) facility, typically used for such evaluations.
ISRO highlighted that the new testing procedure and system have successfully mitigated the complexities usually associated with cryogenic engine tests, paving the way for more streamlined and effective assessments.
The successful completion of this test is a key milestone for ISRO, further solidifying India’s growing space capabilities and taking the country closer to its goal of a manned mission.
