Chennai, June 27 The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has moved a step closer to developing its next-generation Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) by successfully carrying out a hot test of its Semi-Cryogenic Engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA) at a thrust level of 175 tonnes, marking a major milestone in India’s future space launch programme.
The test was conducted on June 24 at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. It was the eighth successful hot test of the engine powerhead and the first to demonstrate stable operation at 175 tonnes of thrust, equivalent to 88 per cent of the engine’s full rated capacity of 200 tonnes.
According to ISRO, the trial proceeded exactly as planned, with all engine parameters remaining within the expected range. The test was designed to evaluate the engine’s build-up phase following pre-burner ignition and validate steady-state operation at higher thrust levels. The main turbopumps also performed successfully, delivering outlet pressures of 400 and 500 bar during the firing.
The achievement builds on earlier successful tests conducted at thrust levels of 94 tonnes and 120 tonnes, paving the way for a full-capacity 200-tonne hot test in the next phase of development.
The Power Head Test Article incorporates all major engine systems except the thrust chamber and serves as a critical platform for validating the integrated performance of the propulsion system.
ISRO is developing the SC120 semi-cryogenic propulsion stage, powered by the 2,000-kilonewton-class SE2000 engine, to replace the existing L110 liquid core stage of the LVM3. The upgraded propulsion system is expected to significantly increase payload capacity while improving efficiency and reliability.
Fuelled by Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and ISRO’s refined kerosene fuel, Isrosene, the engine uses cleaner, non-toxic propellants. Once integrated with an upgraded cryogenic upper stage, it is expected to enhance India’s capability to launch heavier satellites, undertake deep-space exploration missions and support future human spaceflight programmes.
