Hot test of cryo engine with uprated thrust level success ISRO
- Friday, November 10,2022
- 7 comments
Chennai, Nov 10 (UNI) The Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) has successfully hot tested the cryogenic engine with an
uprated thrust level.
ISRO today said the CE20 cryogenic engine indigenously developed
for LVM3 has been subjected to successful hot test at an uprated
thrust level of 21.8 tonne for the first time yesterday.
This will enhance the LVM3 payload capability up to 450 kg with
additional propellant loading.
The major modifications carried out on this test article compared
to previous engines was introduction of Thrust Control Valve (TCV)
for thrust control.
In addition to this 3D printed LOX and LH2 turbine exhaust casings
were inducted in the engine for the first time.
During this test the engine operated with Rs20t thrust level for first
40 secs, then thrust level was increased to 21.8t by moving thrust
control valve.
During the test, engine and facility performance was normal and
required parameters were achieved.
The LVM3 (GSLV-MkIII) in its second operational flight, had placed
36 satellites of UK-based OneWeb to their intended orbits on
October 23 after a majestic take off from the Second Launch Pad
at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
This was a dedicated commercial mission for a foreign customer
through NSIL.
A total of 36 OneWeb Gen-1 satellites of about 150 kg each totalling
about 5,796 kg were launched to a circular low-earth orbit.
The separation of satellites involved a unique maneouver of the
cryogenic stage to orientation and re-orientation covering nine
phases spanning 75 minutes. OneWeb had confirmed the
acquisition of signals from the satellites.
This was one of the biggest commercial orders executed by ISRO.
With this launch, the LVM3 has made a grant entry into the global
market.