ISRO has efficiently accomplished the CE20 E13 engine sizzling test for the Gaganyaan qualification and 22-tonne thrust qualification.
| Photo Credit: PTI
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has efficiently accomplished the CE20 E13 engine sizzling test for the Gaganyaan qualification and 22-tonne thrust qualification.
The engine was examined at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri on September 22.
The CE20 engine is an important element, serving because the powerhouse of the Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) chargeable for propelling the higher stage (C25) of the LVM3 automobile. It has demonstrated its functionality by efficiently working at a thrust degree of 19 tonnes in six successive LVM3 missions, together with the Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and two industrial OneWeb missions.
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“To enhance the payload capacity of the LVM3 vehicle, ISRO is upgrading the CE20 engine. The upper cryogenic stage is being transformed into the C32 stage with increased propellant loading capacity, and the engine is being modified to operate at a higher thrust level of 22 tonnes. To ensure the engine’s readiness for critical missions, a series of ground hot tests were deemed necessary. The CE20 engine hardware referred to as E13 was selected for both Gaganyaan qualification and 22-tonne thrust level operations,” the area company mentioned.
The journey to attaining a 22-tonne thrust functionality started with E13 HT-01, a test targeted on engine tuning, efficiently carried out for a 50-second period. This preliminary test set the stage for the upcoming trials. E13 HT-02 marked a major milestone, carried out on August 3, with the engine working flawlessly for a formidable 720 seconds. This test demonstrated the engine’s reliability and stability.
“The third hot test, E13 HT-03, was the pivotal moment in completing the CE20 engine qualification for the Gaganyaan program. On September 22, this test was conducted at the state-of-the-art test facility located at IPRC, Mahendragiri. During this test, the CE20 engine operated at the coveted 22-tonne thrust level for a duration of 670 seconds. Both the engine and the testing facility performed flawlessly, meeting all the performance parameters,” ISRO mentioned.
It added that the profitable completion of E13 HT-03 signifies the fruits of rigorous testing and the readiness of the CE20 engine for the Gaganyaan program. “With all the necessary tests completed, the CE20 engine is now poised for the demanding requirements of the Gaganyaan mission and future endeavours,” it added.
The Test Vehicle D-1/Crew Escape System mission of the Gaganyaan mission is prone to be carried out within the final week of October.
