ISRO recently successfully conducts an ignition trial of the indigenous CE20 cryogenic engine.

Science and Technology

In February 2025, Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently successfully conducted the ignition trial of the indigenously built 'CE20' cryogenic engine, which powers the upper stage of Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3). The engine was developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) of ISRO.


      - According to ISRO, the multi-element igniter within the engine successfully simulated the engine ignition in the vacuum conditions of space.

      - The ignition trial was conducted at the High Altitude Test Facility located at ISRO’s complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu (TN).

      - During the test trial, the ignition of the engine’s Thrust Chamber was conducted using a multi-element igniter in vacuum conditions. The test simulated tank pressure conditions expected during the in-flight restart of the cryogenic engine.

Main Point :-   (i) ISRO is exploring a bootstrap mode for initiating turbo pumps instead of the conventional stored gas system. This approach aims to re-ignite both the thrust chamber and gas generator under tank head conditions, enhancing engine efficiency.

      (ii) The CE20 cryogenic engine is already qualified for thrust levels ranging between 19 to 20 tonnes in flight with a single start. It will also play a critical role in India’s Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send humans to space.

(iii) Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), formerly known as Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV Mk-III), is a three-stage launch vehicle. It consists of two solid propellant S200 strap-ons, an L110 liquid core stage, and a CE20 cryogenic upper stage. The vehicle stands 43.5 meters tall, has a 4.0-meter diameter, and a liftoff mass of 640 tonnes, with the capability to launch satellites up to 4,000 kg into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
About ISRO

Founder: Vikram Sarabhai
Headquarters: Bengaluru
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