ISRO is undergoing rapid change because of the space sector reforms initiated by Narendra Modi Government. ISRO has achieved a major breakthrough in the 2000kN Semicryogenic engine development programme with the first successful hot test of the intermediate configuration of the 2000kN Semicryogenic engine, designated as Power Head Test Article (PHTA) at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri today.
The complex Semicryogenic Integrated Engine Test facility (SIET) was established at ISRO Propulsion Research Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri for testing the engine and stage and was dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on February 27, 2024. This facility caters to storage and servicing of large volume of propellants and service fluids at high pressures. The capability of the test stand is validated through several flow and ignition trials.
The PHTA test validated the integrated performance of all the engine systems like turbopumps, pre-burner, start-system, and control components except for the thrust chamber. The test went in accordance with the predictions and the engine parameters are as expected.
The excellent performance of the PHTA and the dedicated Semicryogenic Integrated Engine Test facility have given confidence to progress further with a series of tests to validate the engine systems before realizing the fully integrated engine. This success was achieved through a systematic test programme starting from the single element level under various test conditions and trials.
ISRO is now closer to the much coveted technology of high thrust Semicryogenic propulsion system, which will enhance the payload of the LVM3 launch vehicle from 4 tonnes to more than 5 tonnes to GTO. ISRO is further planning a series of tests on the PHTA to further validate and finetune the performance before the realization of the fully integrated engine.
As of this writing, private players have entered the space sector and they are permitted to use ISRO facilities. It will take time for companies to design and build complex rockets. ISRO is gearing up to launch new satellites including the ambitious Gaganyaan mission. It will be an unmanned mission with astronauts taking over after the first two or three test flights.
