BENGALURU: ISRO announced on Saturday that it made progress in the design and development of a semi-cryogenic engine, or Liquid Oxygen/Kerosene engine, with a high thrust of 2,000 kN. This engine will power the semi-cryogenic booster stage of the LVM-3 launch vehicle. "The first major breakthrough in the semi-cryogenic engine development programme was achieved on March 28 (Friday) when the first successful hot test of the Engine Power Head Test Article ( PHTA ) was carried out at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri ," ISRO stated.
The 2.5-second test validated the integrated performance of critical subsystems, including the pre-burner, turbo pumps, start system, and control components. All engine parameters behaved as expected during the test, demonstrating smooth ignition and operation.
The 2,000 kN semi-cryogenic engine that will eventually power the booster stage of the LVM-3 uses liquid oxygen and kerosene as propellants, which are non-toxic and non-hazardous compared to conventional alternatives. ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) has been developing the semi-cryogenic propulsion engine (SE-2000) and stage (SC120) to replace the current core liquid stage (L110) of LVM3. This upgrade, along with an improved cryogenic stage, will enhance the vehicle's payload capability from 4 tonnes to 5 tonnes in Geostationary Transfer Orbit ( GTO ).
"The SE-2000 engine operates with a complex oxidiser-rich staged combustion cycle at a chamber pressure of 180 bar, wit.
