BANGALORE: The 2000 kN semi-cryogenic engine from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) underwent its maiden integrated test at the recently inaugurated Semicryogenic Integrated Engine & Stage Test facility at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri. The test took place on May 10.

The space agency states that the Power Head Test Article (PHTA), or intermediate configuration, consists of all engine systems other than the thrust chamber. The test is the first of several scheduled to confirm the design of the propellant feed system, comprising the gas generator, low-pressure and high-pressure turbo-pumps, and control elements.

Future launch vehicles' booster stages will be powered by a semicryogenic engine with a 2000 kN thrust that is being designed and developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) of ISRO, which uses a liquid oxygen (LOX) and kerosene propellant combination.

Prior to the integration and qualification of the entire engine, the test on May 10 marked a significant turning point. The test showed that the complicated chill down process, which took place over the course of nearly 15 hours, was completed successfully and met all requirements for engine start.

After the LOX circuit had been chilled, kerosene was added to the feed circuit, and the injection valve was opened to allow LOX to enter the gas generator.  ISRO said, the successful performance of the test article helps derive the sequence of operations for further tests.

With a state-of-art PLC-based control system and data acquisition system, the recently established test facility at IPRC, Mahendragiri, is equipped to test semi-cryogenic engines up to 2600 kN thrust and will support the subsequent testing and qualification of the fully integrated semi-cryogenic engine and stage.

ISRO claims that this test proved the test facility's and the test piece for the power head performed successfully on the first try.

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