Indigenous cryogenic engine passes crucial test

• Bangalore: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which thus far relied on Russian cryogenic engines for its launches, has just got closer to having an indigenous engine. In a significant milestone, the indigenous cryogenic engine being developed has passed a “flight acceptance hot test” at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) at Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
• ISRO’s next GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) launch slated for mid-2009 will be the first to use this indigenously developed cryogenic engine, said ISRO spokesperson S. Satish. The 2.3-tonne GSLV Mk II will launch a geostationary satellite along with a navigational and technological payload, most likely next April. The engine will provide a payload capability of 2,200 kg for GSLV.
• The hot test was carried out on Thursday for a duration of 200 seconds and the engine developed a thrust of 73 kN (kilo Newtons) in vacuum. The engine works on a ‘staged combustion cycle’ with an integrated turbo-pump running at around 42,000 rotations per minute. Another unique feature of this engine is the “closed loop control” which ensures optimum utilisation of propellant for the mission.
• The cryogenic engine will, in the next four to five months, be integrated with propellant tanks, stage structures and associated feed lines, said Mr. Satish.