The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone with the sea-level hot test of the indigenous C20 cryogenic engine at the Mahendragiri Propulsion Complex in Tamil Nadu. During this test, the engine's essential multi-element igniter needed for restart was successfully evaluated.
Testing the CE20 engine at sea level posed numerous challenges, primarily due to the engine nozzle's exit pressure — crucial for propelling rockets into space. During the test, the pressure was approximately 50 mbar. Previously, ISRO had tested this engine on the ground without sealing the nozzle, with the ignition occurring under vacuum conditions.
Source: aajtak
Developed in-house by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, the CE20 cryogenic engine empowers the upper stage of ISRO's LVM3 rockets, generating a thrust of 19 tons. It has previously facilitated the successful launch of six LVM3 upper stage flights.
This powerful engine will also be the driving force behind the Gaganyaan mission, where it's expected to reach a thrust level of 20 tons, eventually increasing to 22 tons with the forthcoming C32 engine. This advancement signifies India's independence from needing external assistance to launch heavy satellites.
