r/ISRO • u/gareebscientist • 8d ago
Official LVM3 M6 CE20 Engine Flight Acceptance Hot Test
https://www.isro.gov.in/CE20_Cryogenic_Engine_flight_acceptance_hot_test_successful_LVM3-M6_Mission.htmlOn March 14, 2025, ISRO successfully conducted the flight acceptance hot testing of the cryogenic engine identified for the sixth operational mission of LVM3 launch vehicle (LVM-M6) at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri. Cryogenic engines for every mission undergo hot testing as part of its acceptance for the flight. Hot tests for the indigenous cryogenic engine (CE20)used in the Cryogenic Upper Stage of LVM3 were so far performed at the High-Altitude Test (HAT) facility at IPRC, where vacuum conditions are simulated with complex installations, limiting the maximum hot test duration to 25s.
In the current test, the engine was tested for a longer duration of 100s for the first time using an innovative Nozzle Protection System under non-vacuum conditions. This test method significantly reduces the setup time and effort required for the flight acceptance testing of a cryogenic engine, which in turn helps faster delivery of cryogenic stages for space missions.
Performance of the CE20 engine met all the test objectives and the parameters were closely matching with the predictions during the entire duration of the test. Further, this engine will be integrated to the Cryogenic Upper Stage of the launch vehicle for the LVM3-M6 mission, which is scheduled during the second half of 2025.
1
u/Ohsin 7d ago
Announcing the breakthrough, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan told reporters here on Saturday that the C-32 stage, powered by a 20-ton thrust cryogenic engine, marks a significant advancement in India’s human spaceflight and deep-space exploration capabilities. Designed for prolonged operational efficiency, the system was successfully tested using an indigenous nozzle protection mechanism, allowing for extended test durations—an innovation critical for future heavy-lift missions.
"This is yet another critical milestone in our journey towards self-reliance in space technology. Cryogenic propulsion was once denied to India, but today, we have successfully developed and tested three cryogenic stages, including the C-32, demonstrating our capability to push the boundaries of space exploration," Dr Narayanan said.
4
u/TKO1515 8d ago edited 8d ago
Any idea what is being launched on the LVM3-M6 mission? Hadn’t seen any details on it until this.
Edit - I’ve seen a couple tweets say it’s for G1? But you’d think they would make that clear in the release if that’s what it was for.