Latest news with #SE2000
The Hindu
02-08-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
First LVM3 launch vehicle equipped with semi-cryogenic stage slated to fly in 2027
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is aiming for a 2027 launch for its first LVM3 launch vehicle equipped with a semi-cryogenic propulsion stage. 'Right now we are on track. The power head tests (on the engine) are progressing with great success. Five to six tests have been completed. We have set the launch target for the first quarter of 2027,' ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan said during a visit to Thiruvananthapuram. Formerly known as the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk III (GSLV Mk III), the three-stage LVM3 had its first experimental flight in December, 2014. It is ISRO's most powerful rocket to date. The semi-cryogenic stage is designed to make it even more formidable, enhancing payload capability while keeping costs down, Mr. Narayanan said. Currently capable of lifting 4200 kg payloads to the geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO), the LVM3 will see significant changes when it is fitted with the semi-cryogenic stage. The L110 core stage, which uses liquid propellant, will be replaced by the semicryo stage which uses a propellant combination of refined kerosene and liquid oxygen (LOX). The propellant loading in the cryogenic upper stage, which uses a Liquid Hydrogen-LOX combination, will increase from 28 tonnes to 32 tonnes. 'The current payload capability of 4200 kg to GTO will increase to 5200 kg with this combination of semi-cryogenic stage and upgraded cryogenic propulsion in the upper stage. The cost of placing the satellite in orbit will come down by 25%,' Mr. Narayanan said. The development of the upper stage enhanced to carry 32 tonnes of cryogenic propellant has been completed. 'Very complex engine' ISRO's semi-cryogenic engine has been in the works for a long time now. Mr. Narayanan described it as a 'very complex engine' that uses special materials to withstand high temperatures and oxidiser-rich combustion. Whereas the liquid-fuelled Vikas engine used in the L110 stage gives a nominal thrust of 80 tonnes, the SE2000 semi-cryogenic engine being developed by ISRO is designed to supply 200 tonnes, he said. Once perfected, the semi-cryogenic engines will see use in ISRO's future launch vehicles as well. The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) of ISRO is tasked with developing the semi-cryogenic engine and the stage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had dedicated the Semi-cryogenic Integrated Engine and Stage Test Facility (SIET) at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) at Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, in February 2024.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
03-06-2025
- Science
- Business Standard
Isro successfully conducts third hot test of semicryogenic engine
According to Isro, the test, conducted on May 28, was aimed at validating the engine's ignition and start-up sequence while optimising the process for integrated engine performance Press Trust of India Bengaluru The Indian Space Research Organisation on Monday achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of the third hot test of the Power Head Test Article (PHTA) at the Isro Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The test is part of a crucial series of evaluations to validate the performance of India's upcoming semicryogenic engine, Isro said. This marks the third in a series of hot tests undertaken by Isro for the PHTA. According to Isro, the test, conducted on May 28, was aimed at validating the engine's ignition and start-up sequence while optimising the process for integrated engine performance. During the three-second trial, the engine was ignited successfully and operated up to 60 per cent of its rated power level, exhibiting stable and controlled performance throughout. Isro began this series of performance evaluations in March 2025, focusing on critical components such as low- and high-pressure turbo-pumps, the pre-burner, start-up system, and various control mechanisms. The first test, conducted on March 28, 2025, confirmed smooth ignition and bootstrap operation during a 2.5-second run. The second test, carried out on April 24, focused on the start transient build-up and validated the ignition sequence over a 3.5-second duration. The Semi-Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (SC120), powered by the 2000 kN-class SE2000 engine, is being developed to replace the current liquid core stage (L110) of the LVM3 launch vehicle towards enhancing its payload capability, Isro said.
India Today
02-06-2025
- Science
- India Today
Isro conducts key engine tests to boost capability of heavy-lift LVM-3
Isro has successfully conducted a series of critical tests for its next-generation 2,000 kN Semicryogenic Engine (SE2000), marking significant progress in enhancing the payload capacity of its flagship LVM3 heavy-lift tests occurred on May 28, 2025, with a third hot test of the Engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA) at Mahendragiri's Isro Propulsion Complex, validating ignition sequences and stable operation at 60% PHTA – containing all engine systems except the thrust chamber – underwent three phased 28: Initial 2.5-second test confirmed ignition and bootstrap operationsApril 24: 3.5-second test validated start-up transient build-upMay 28: Final 3-second test optimized start sequencing for full-engine integration[user inputThe SE-2000 engine uses liquid oxygen and kerosene in an oxidizer-rich staged combustion cycle, generating 180 bar chamber pressure and 335-second specific impulse. This non-toxic propellant combination improves performance over the current L110 stage's hydrazine-based new SC120 stage powered by SE2000 will replace LVM3's existing L110 core, increasing:Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) capacity from 4 to 5 tonnesLow Earth Orbit (LEO) capacity from 8 to 10 tonnesTesting occurs at the Semicryogenic Integrated Engine Test Facility (SIET), inaugurated in 2024 with real-time data acquisition systems. Isro collaborated with Indian industries for component manufacturing and space-grade kerosene these tests completing subsystem validations, Isro plans integrated engine-level trials upgraded LVM3 configuration is expected to enter service by 2027, strengthening India's position in the global heavy-lift launch market while supporting future lunar and crewed Watch
