On May 10, 2023, the Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted the first integrated tests of an intermediate configuration of its 2000KN (kilonewton) semi-cryogenic engine at the newly commissioned Semi Cryogenic Integrated Engine and Stage Test Facility at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
According to ISRO, the intermediate configuration, designated as Power Head Test Article (PHTA), comprises several engine systems, except the thrust chamber. It is the first in the series of tests planned to validate the design of the propellant systems, including low-pressure and high-pressure turbopumps, the gas generator and control components.
The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre of ISRO has designed and developed a semi-cryogenic engine with 2000KN thrust with Indian Industry participation and will power the booster stage of future launched vehicles and work on Liquid oxygen (LOX) propellant combination.
The May 10, 2023, test was a significant milestone before integrating the complete engine and its qualification. The test demonstrated the complex chill-down operation spanning about fifteen hours that was conducted successfully, meeting all the required conditions for engine start.
After the chill down of the LOX circuit, the feed circuit of kerosene was filled, and LOX was admitted to the gas generator by opening the injection valve. According to the space agency, the successful performance of this test article helps derive the sequence of operations for further operations.
The new facility at Mahendragiri, with the state-of-the-art PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)-based control system and data acquisition system, is capable of testing the semi-cryogenic engines upto 2600KN thrust and will support the subsequent testing and the qualification of the fully integrated semi-cryogenic engine and stage.
According to ISRO, this test demonstrated the successful performance of the test facility and power head article on the first attempt.
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