ISRO conducts successful semi-cryogenic engine test at new facility: Full details

The Indian Space Agency has conducted the first integrated test of an intermediate configuration of a semi-cryogenic engine at a new test facility.

According to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), the test was conducted on a 2,000 kg Newtonian semi-cryogenic engine at the newly commissioned test facility at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri.

The intermediate assembly, called the Power Head Test Article (PHTA), includes all engine systems except the thrust chamber, ISRO said.

The test is the first in a series of tests designed to validate the design of the propellant delivery system, including the low and high pressure turbo pumps, gas generator and control components.

ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Center (LPSC) has designed and developed a semi-cryogenic engine of 2,000 kN thrust with Indian industry. It will power the booster stages of future launch vehicles and will work on liquid oxygen (LOX) kerosene. combination.

ISRO said the test on May 10, 2023 is an important milestone before the integration and acceptance of the complete engine.

This test showed about 15 hours of complex cooling operations that were successfully completed and met all the conditions required to start the engine.

After cooling the LOX circuit, the kerosene supply circuit was filled and the LOX was admitted to the gas generator by opening the injection valve. Successful completion of a test article helps guide the sequence of actions for further testing.

IPRC’s new test facility, Mahendragiri, is capable of testing semi-cryogenic engines up to 2,600 kN thrust and will support subsequent testing and acceptance of a fully integrated semi-cryogenic engine and stage.

This test has demonstrated the successful performance of the test facility and powerhead test product the first time.

Read all the Latest Tech News here.