"Major achievement, ready for engine test: ISRO Chairman V Narayanan on successful test of semi-cryogenic engine
Bengaluru, June 27
Indian Space Research Organisation Chairman V Narayanan on Saturday said that recent propulsion-related testing marked a "major achievement and milestone," while stressing that the Gaganyaan mission remains highly technology-intensive and will involve multiple uncrewed missions before human flight.
Referring to recent successful hot test of the Semi-Cryogenic Engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA) at a thrust level of 175 Tonne, Narayanan said, "a test that was conducted, excluding the thrust chamber...we have taken close to 90% of the thrust load...it was a major achievement and milestone, and now we are getting ready for the engine test...satellites are ready, and we are working on that, an exact date will be provided soon..."
He further added that the human spaceflight programme involves strict validation protocols. "Gaganyaan is a technology-intensive mission. We have to do the human-rating of the vehicle...before sending actual human beings, we have to do 3 uncrewed missions, and we are working towards the first uncrewed mission. You will come to know about the dates very shortly..."
His remarks come after the Indian Space Research Organisation successfully carried out a hot test of the Semi-Cryogenic Engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA) at a thrust level of 175 tonnes at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Tamil Nadu on June 24.
According to the ISRO release, the Power Head Test Article (PHTA) includes all engine systems except the thrust chamber. The test marked the eighth in a series of hot tests and aimed at studying build-up after pre-burner ignition and demonstrating steady-state operation at higher thrust levels.
Earlier tests were conducted at 47 per cent (94 tonne) and 60 per cent (120 tonne) thrust levels. In the latest test, the system was successfully operated at 175 tonne thrust level (88 per cent) for the first time and also demonstrated the successful functioning of the main turbopumps delivering 400 and 500 bar outlet pressures.
Highlighting India's achievements in space exploration, Narayanan said, "Aditya L1 - India is the fourth country to have a satellite to study the sun."
He added, "I have to thank the honourable Prime Minister that we have been given a direction. We have conceived and built a South Asian satellite, successfully launched and donated it to other countries. Today, we are developing the G20 satellite for the G20 countries, and India is taking the lead role."
On international collaboration, he said, "Japan and India are working together for Chandrayaan 5. For Chandrayaan 3, we had a rover of 25 KG, but here we are building a 350kg rover. This is again a joint mission."
The ISRO Chairman further added, "Axiom 4 mission. Shubhanshu Shukla was sent to the International Space Station under PM guidance."
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is great news but I hope the Gaganyaan timeline stays realistic. Three uncrewed missions before human flight sounds thorough, which is good for safety. Let's not rush it - better to be safe than sorry when human lives are involved. ISRO has always been meticulous though.
The semi-cryogenic engine is a game changer! Being able to test at 88% thrust and having turbopumps deliver 400-500 bar pressure is phenomenal. This technology will reduce launch costs significantly. Proud moment for every Indian! 🇮🇳
Impressive how ISRO balances multiple missions - from semi-cryogenic engines to Gaganyaan to international collaborations like the 350kg rover for Chandrayaan-5. The G20 satellite initiative also shows India's leadership in space diplomacy. Well done team ISRO!
Good progress but I wish ISRO would share more specific timelines. "Very shortly" and "exact date will be provided soon" sounds vague. The public deserves more transparency on mission schedules, especially for Gaganyaan. Still, great technical achievement overall.
The Axiom-4 mission sending Shubhanshu Shukla to ISS shows how far India has come. From humble beginnings with satellite launches to sending astronauts to space and building 350kg rovers for lunar missions - what a journey! ISRO is truly the pride of the nation.
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