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

Science and Technology | Dated: 11 Feb 2025

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.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - 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.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (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).

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which organization recently successfully conducted the ignition trial of the indigenous CE20 cryogenic engine?

Correct Answer: ISRO

🚀 Quick Recap:

About ISRO

  • Founder: Vikram Sarabhai
  • Headquarters: Bengaluru