New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully carried out the flight acceptance hot test of its CE20 cryogenic engine designated for the seventh operational mission of the LVM3 launch vehicle (LVM-M7).
The test took place at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, according to a statement released by ISRO on Tuesday.
LVM3, formerly known as GSLV MkIII, is ISRO's heaviest rocket and uses the CE20 cryogenic engine to power its upper stage.
"The engine is also qualified to operate at thrust levels ranging from 19 to 22 tonne, and the engine performed successfully in 8 successive LVM3 missions, including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 and three commercial missions," said ISRO.
"Human-rating qualification requirements were also accomplished on this engine for inducting in Gaganyaan missions," it added.
In the latest flight acceptance hot test, the CE20 engine was examined with a thrust level of 22 tonnes using the nozzle protection system (NPS) for the first time.
This system simplifies complex activities associated with testing under high altitude test conditions, and it requires fewer resources and enables enhancement of test duration.
"Test results confirm the satisfactory performance of the engine systems and NPS," said ISRO.
