Article Title: ISRO has achieved a breakthrough in Semicryogenic Engine development
31-03-2025
Science & Technology Prelims Plus
Context
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.
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