A 2000 kN thrust semi-cryogenic engine is being developed by ISRO using a LOX Kerosene propellant mixture to increase the payload capacity of the LVM3 and for use in future launch vehicles. With assistance from other ISRO launch vehicle facilities, the Liquid Propulsion technologies Centre (LPSC) is the principal hub for the development of semi-cryogenic propulsion technologies.
The ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri is where the propulsion modules were assembled and tested. A pre-burner ignition test article, which is a complete engine power head system with the exception of the turbopumps, is realised as part of the engine development.
On May 2, 2024, the semi cryo integrated engine test facility (SIET) at IPRC, Mahendragiri, which was just dedicated to the country by the honourable Prime Minister of India, successfully completed the first ignition experiment. It is shown that the preburner can ignite smoothly and continuously, which is essential for the semi-cryogenic engine to start.
“Smooth and sustained ignition,” which is essential for starting the semi-cryogenic engine, was proved by the ignition process. For the first time, ISRO used a start fuel ampoule that included a special mixture of triethyl aluminide and triethyl boron to produce the ignition. For additional development testing on the fully integrated engine, this pre-burner ignition test article is crucial and enhances the engine power head system.
According to the Bangalore-based national space agency, the first integrated test on an intermediate configuration of the 2000 kN (Kilonewton) semi-cryogenic engine was successfully completed on Wednesday at the recently opened Semicryogenic Integrated Engine & Stage Test facility at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The test is a step towards creating a 2000 kN thrust engine for upcoming launch vehicles that uses a combination of kerosene and liquid oxygen (LOX) as propellant.
With the exception of the thrust chamber, every engine system is included in the intermediate configuration, known as the Power Head Test Article (PHTA).It was the first of several tests intended to verify the propellant feed system’s design, which includes the gas generator, control parts, and low- and high-pressure turbo-pumps.
With the help of the Indian industry, ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) has designed and developed a semi-cryogenic engine with a thrust of 2000 kN, which would power the booster stages of next launch vehicles.According to ISRO, Wednesday’s test marks a significant turning point before the full engine is integrated and qualified.
“This test showed that the intricate chill-down procedures, which took almost 15 hours to complete, were successfully completed and satisfied all engine start requirements. Following the LOX circuit’s freeze down, kerosene was added to the feed circuit, and the injection valve was opened to admit LOX into the gas generator. “The test article’s successful execution aids in determining the order of operations for subsequent tests,” it stated.
According to ISRO, the new facility at IPRC, which has a cutting-edge control and data acquisition system based on programmable logic controllers, can test semi-cryogenic engines up to 2600 kN thrust and will facilitate the testing and qualification of the fully integrated semi-cryogenic engine and stage.According to the space agency, this test has shown that the test facility and PHTA can operate successfully on their first try.
As per ISRO, the Semi Cryogenic Propulsion System Project aims to design and construct a 2000 kN semi-cryogenic engine and ‘SC120 stage’, which will facilitate the development of heavy-lift capabilities for next Indian space transportation systems.
One of ISRO’s key achievements in the development of semi-cryogenic propulsion systems is the successful ignition of a semi-cryo engine and its subsequent development.
