Chennai: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully hot tested the cryogenic engine with an uprated thrust level.
ISRO today said the CE20 cryogenic engine indigenously developed for LVM3 has been subjected to successful hot test at an uprated thrust level of 21.8 tonne for the first time yesterday.
This will enhance the LVM3 payload capability up to 450 kg with additional propellant loading. The major modifications carried out on this test article compared to previous engines was introduction of Thrust Control Valve (TCV) for thrust control.
In addition to this 3D printed LOX and LH2 turbine exhaust casings were inducted in the engine for the first time. During this test the engine operated with Rs20t thrust level for first 40 secs, then thrust level was increased to 21.8t by moving thrust control valve.
During the test, engine and facility performance was normal and required parameters were achieved. The LVM3 (GSLV-MkIII) in its second operational flight, had placed 36 satellites of UK-based OneWeb to their intended orbits on October 23 after a majestic take off from the Second Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
This was a dedicated commercial mission for a foreign customer through NSIL. A total of 36 OneWeb Gen-1 satellites of about 150 kg each totalling about 5,796 kg were launched to a circular low-earth orbit.
The separation of satellites involved a unique maneouver of the cryogenic stage to orientation and re-orientation covering nine phases spanning 75 minutes. OneWeb had confirmed the acquisition of signals from the satellites.
This was one of the biggest commercial orders executed by ISRO. With this launch, the LVM3 has made a grant entry into the global market.
