ISRO Successfully Conducts Second Short Hot Test

ISRO Successfully Conducts Second Short Hot Test

Why in the News ?

ISRO has successfully completed the second short-duration hot test of its semicryogenic engine at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri. This test is a crucial milestone toward validating the engine systems before their induction into future launch vehicles.

ISRO Successfully Conducts Second Short Hot Test

Successful Semicryogenic Engine Test:

  • ISRO conducted a short-duration hot test of the semicryogenic engine on April 24 at Mahendragiri.
  • The Engine Power Head Test Article was ignited and operated up to 60% of rated power, confirming stable, controlled performance.
  • This is the second milestone, after the first hot test held on March 28.

Importance and Next Steps

  • The tests validate critical subsystems: low-pressure and high-pressure turbo pumps, pre-burner, and control systems.
  • The data will help finalise operational sequencing for the full semicryogenic engine.
  • Further qualification tests are planned to comprehensively validate the engine for future launch vehicles.

Progress on GSLV-F16 and NISAR Mission

  • Launch preparations for the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite onboard GSLV-F16 have started at Sriharikota.
  • The Second Stage (GS2) of the GSLV was flagged off from Mahendragiri to Sriharikota on March 24.
  • Key ISRO leaders, including Chairman V. Narayanan, participated in the flag-off event.

About Power Head Test Article (PHTA):

●      PHTA validates integrated performance of subsystems like gas generator, turbo pumps, pre-burner, and control systems.

●      It marks the first hardware test for semicryogenic engine development.

●      Involves hot-firing for less than 4.5 seconds to test start-up.

●      Aims to finalise the crucial cryogenic stage for booster propulsion.

●      Cryogenics store fuel and oxidiser as liquids at extremely low temperatures.

●      A similar test was aborted in July 2023 due to technical issues.

Significance of Semicryogenic Engine:

●      Powers first stage for lifting spacecraft beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

●      Higher kerosene density ensures smaller, efficient fuel tanks.

●      Planned to replace L110 stage in GSLV Mk III, boosting payload from 4 to 6 tonnes.