ISRO successfully hot-tests CE20 engine at 220 kN thrust for upcoming LVM3 mission
New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has completed a flight acceptance hot test of its CE20 cryogenic engine at an uprated thrust level of 220 kN, a development aimed at increasing the payload capability of the LVM3 launch vehicle and supporting the Gaganyaan programme.
The test was conducted on September 9 at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, the space agency said on Thursday.
Sharing details on X, ISRO said, “Flight acceptance hot test of CE20 cryogenic engine earmarked for the C32 upper stage of upcoming LVM3 mission at uprated thrust conditions of 220 kN was successfully carried out at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri on September 09, 2026.”
During the test, ISRO also successfully demonstrated the performance of the LOX Tank Pressurisation Module (LTPM), which is intended for use in the C32 stages of the Gaganyaan missions.
The CE20 is the engine that powers the upper cryogenic stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle. ISRO is working towards operating future LVM3 missions with an uprated C32 stage powered by the CE20 engine at a 22-tonne thrust level to increase the launch vehicle's payload capability.
The latest test follows a sea-level hot test of the CE20 engine conducted at the Mahendragiri facility in March at the same 22-tonne thrust level.
That test used a Nozzle Protection System and a multi-element igniter and was conducted to qualify the engine for sea-level testing at the higher thrust level. ISRO had said the engine and test facility performed as expected during the 165-second test.
Sea-level testing of the CE20 presents a particular challenge because of its high-area-ratio nozzle and the resulting low exit pressure. ISRO has noted that flow separation within the nozzle can lead to severe vibrations and thermal stresses, potentially threatening the structural integrity of the nozzle.
The successful flight acceptance hot test is another step towards operationalising the uprated C32 stage for future LVM3 missions.
The development comes days after ISRO successfully launched the Advanced Earth Observation Satellite-05 (EOS-05) aboard the GSLV-F17 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on September 5.
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan had termed the mission a significant achievement after the 2,367-kg satellite was successfully placed in its intended orbit. He said the satellite would become India's first dedicated imaging satellite from geosynchronous orbit once it is operationalised. (ANI)