ISRO successfully tests CE20 cryogenic engine for LVM3-M7 mission

• ISRO successfully conducted the flight acceptance hot testing of the cryogenic engine identified for the seventh operational mission of the LVM3 launch vehicle (LVM3-M7).

• The test was conducted at the Main Engine & stage Test facility (MET) at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri.

• LVM3, formerly known as GSLV MkIII, is ISRO’s heaviest rocket and uses the CE20 cryogenic engine to power its upper stage.

How was the test conducted?

• Cryogenic engines for every mission undergo hot testing as part of its acceptance for the flight. 

• In order to conduct hot testing of this upper stage engine under sea-level conditions with its nozzle designed for high altitude operations, a Nozzle Protection System (NPS) was developed and validated previously through multiple qualification tests. 

• NPS has reduced the time and effort associated with flight acceptance testing of cryogenic engines, simulating the flight equivalent vacuum conditions at High Altitude Test Facility.

• In order to enhance the payload capability of the LVM3 vehicle, future missions of LVM3 are planned with C32 stage operating at an uprated thrust level of 22t for the CE20 engine. 

• In view of this, the flight acceptance test was conducted at 22t thrust level.

• Performance of the CE20 engine met all the test objectives which confirmed satisfactory performance of the engine systems.

• The same test demonstrated the performance of a LOX Tank Pressurisation Module (LTPM) designed for the C32 stage, an upgraded cryogenic upper stage planned for India’s Gaganyaan missions.

• The engine will be refurbished and assembled to the C32 flight stage for LVM3-M7 mission which is scheduled during the fourth quarter of 2026.