India is making great strides in the creation of the SCE-200 (Semi-Cryogenic Engine-200), its most potent semi-cryogenic rocket engine. This engine uses a mixture of RP-1 kerosene and liquid oxygen (LOX) as propellants and is intended to provide a thrust of 2,000 kN. Through its Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is spearheading this effort to increase the payload capacity of its Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3) and next launch vehicles.
The Semi-Cryo Integrated Engine Test Facility (SIET), situated at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, successfully conducted the maiden ignition experiment of the semi-cryo pre-burner on May 2, 2024, marking an important milestone for ISRO. This test showed sustained and smooth ignition, which is necessary for the semi-cryogenic engine to function.
Triethyl aluminum and triethyl boron were combined in a unique start fuel ampule, which was used for the first time in ISRO’s semi-cryo engine development. This creative method is essential to guaranteeing consistent ignition while the engine is running.
To further improve the operational capabilities of India’s launch vehicles, ISRO is also constructing a semi-cryogenic stage that can handle up to 120 tons of fuel in addition to the engine.
Because they can function at higher temperatures while still producing more thrust, semi-cryogenic engines are positioned as a major improvement over conventional liquid engines. This makes it possible for:
Increased Payload Capacity: Unlike current engines, which usually have lesser thrust capacities, the SCE-200 is anticipated to allow rockets to transport greater payloads into orbit.
Cost-Effectiveness and Environmental Advantages: Compared to their fully cryogenic counterparts, these engines are intended to be more economical and ecologically benign, which makes them a desirable choice for upcoming space missions.
India’s ambitious space plans, which include possible missions employing reusable launch vehicles and improved satellite deployment capabilities, are expected to heavily rely on the SCE-200 engine. Its effective development will establish India as a competitive competitor in the global space sector in addition to strengthening ISRO’s operational capability.
With their Agnibaan rocket, which has a single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine, private businesses like Agnikul Cosmos have also dabbled with semi-cryogenic technology in addition to ISRO’s efforts. This partnership between the public and private sectors highlights how dynamic India’s space industry is becoming.
All things considered, India’s aspirations for space exploration and its objective of becoming a major player in international space missions have advanced significantly with the development of semi-cryogenic rocket technology.
