ISRO conducts crucial test for Semi-Cryogenic Engine

Context: Recently, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted the hot test on a semi-cryogenic engine (SE2000).

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key Facts about Semi-cryogenic Engine; Cryogenic Engine.

Hot Test (PHTA) on Semi-cryogenic Engine

ISRO is developing a semi-cryogenic engine that uses a Liquid Oxygen and Kerosene-based propulsion system that offers an enhanced thrust of 2,000 kiloNewton (kN).
- Power Head Test Article (PHTA) is the first hardware test for the development of semi-cryogenic engines.
- The test involves performing a hot-firing for an extremely brief duration of not more than 4.5 seconds.
- PHTA is done to validate the integrated performance of some of the engine’s critical subsystems, such as the gas generator, turbo pumps, pre-burner and control components.
The success of the test brings ISRO a step closer towards enhancing the payload capability of LVM3 and for future launch vehicles.

The propulsion system gives the rocket power to lift off from the Earth, across the dense atmosphere and later reach its destination.
The selection of an appropriate propellant system is based on the thrust required, reusability, cost and core competency.
ISRO has been using environment-friendly and green propellants like Liquid Oxygen (LOX), Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) and LOX-kerosene-based propulsion systems.

The cryogenic engine uses liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen.
- Handling liquid hydrogen is challenging, given that it needs to be stored at minus 253 degrees Celsius and it is highly inflammable.
A semi-cryogenic engine uses a liquid oxygen – kerosene combination, where kerosene is readily storable.
- This combination offers advantages like high-density impulse (with respect to cryogenic engines), is less toxic (with respect to fuel storage) and is cost-effective.

Upgradation of LVM3: ISRO is working towards improving the performance of Launch Vehicle Mk III (LVM3).
- LVM3 will be equipped with the C32 cryogenic upper stage for many of its future space missions.
  - C32 is an upgraded version of the C25 stage currently used in LVM3.
  - With C32 in the upper stage, the payload capacity (carriage) will increase by 25%.
- ISRO is working to increase LVM3’s launch capacity from 4 tonnes to 5.1 tonnes at Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, without increasing the cost.

Also Read: ISRO’s Satellite Launch Vehicles

Development of NGLV:
- Next Generation Launch Vehicle is a new generation, human-rated launch vehicle, offering both high payload capability and reusability.
- With a reusable first stage, it offers a maximum payload capability of 30 tons to the Low Earth Orbit.
- The first and second stages will use LOX engines and the upper stage will be a cryogenic stage.

Also Read: ISRO’s Next Generation Launch Vehicle