ISRO has made significant progress in developing a 2,000 kN semicryogenic engine (SE2000) that will power the Semicryogenic booster stage (SC120) of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3). This advancement aims to enhance payload capacity and future launch capabilities.

On March 28, ISRO conducted the first successful hot test of the Engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA) at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri. The test, lasting 2.5 seconds, validated critical subsystems, including the pre-burner, turbo pumps, start system, and control components. All parameters met expectations, marking a key milestone in engine development.

The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) is spearheading this effort. The SC120 stage, powered by the SE2000 engine, will replace LVM3’s current L110 core liquid stage, boosting payload capacity from 4 to 5 tonnes in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). The semicryogenic propulsion system, using non-toxic and non-hazardous propellants (Liquid Oxygen and Kerosene), offers superior performance over existing systems.

The SE2000 engine comprises a thrust chamber, pre-burner, turbo pump system, control components, and startup system. Special materials are used to withstand high temperatures and oxidizer-rich combustion, developed in collaboration with Indian industries. Given the complexity of the technology, only a few nations possess such capabilities.

To support engine qualification, ISRO established the Semicryogenic Integrated Engine Test Facility (SIET) at Mahendragiri, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023. Before full engine-level hot tests, ISRO plans further performance evaluations using intermediate configurations like PHTA. The Pre-burner Ignition Test Article (PITA) was also developed to ensure smooth ignition, undergoing a series of successful tests.

This breakthrough paves the way for enhanced launch vehicle efficiency and future advancements in India’s space program.

ISRO has made significant progress in developing a 2,000 kN semicryogenic engine (SE2000) that will power the Semicryogenic booster stage (SC120) of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3). This advancement aims to enhance payload capacity and future launch capabilities.

On March 28, ISRO conducted the first successful hot test of the Engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA) at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri. The test, lasting 2.5 seconds, validated critical subsystems, including the pre-burner, turbo pumps, start system, and control components. All parameters met expectations, marking a key milestone in engine development.

The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) is spearheading this effort. The SC120 stage, powered by the SE2000 engine, will replace LVM3’s current L110 core liquid stage, boosting payload capacity from 4 to 5 tonnes in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). The semicryogenic propulsion system, using non-toxic and non-hazardous propellants (Liquid Oxygen and Kerosene), offers superior performance over existing systems.

The SE2000 engine comprises a thrust chamber, pre-burner, turbo pump system, control components, and startup system. Special materials are used to withstand high temperatures and oxidizer-rich combustion, developed in collaboration with Indian industries. Given the complexity of the technology, only a few nations possess such capabilities.

To support engine qualification, ISRO established the Semicryogenic Integrated Engine Test Facility (SIET) at Mahendragiri, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023. Before full engine-level hot tests, ISRO plans further performance evaluations using intermediate configurations like PHTA. The Pre-burner Ignition Test Article (PITA) was also developed to ensure smooth ignition, undergoing a series of successful tests.

This breakthrough paves the way for enhanced launch vehicle efficiency and future advancements in India’s space program.