CE-20 cryogenic engine

March 2, 2023

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed the flight acceptance hot test for the CE-20 cryogenic engine, which will power the LVM3 launch vehicle’s Cryogenic Upper Stage for the upcoming Chandrayaan-3 mission. The test was carried out at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, and all the propulsion parameters during the test were found to be satisfactory.

What is CE-20 Cryogenic Engine?

The cryogenic rocket engine uses cryogenic rocket fuel and an oxidiser. Cryogenic means the process or product requires very low temperatures. It will need deep freezing points to operate. The Ce-20 cryogenic engine was produced by HAL and designed by ISRO. It is a liquid-fuel engine.

CE-20 cryogenic engine uses a gas generator cycle

The gas generator generates gas. In the gas generator cycle, the resultant hot gas (from the gas generator) is circulated to power the propellant pumps. Today, all the top successful rockets in the world use the generator cycle. This includes Ariane 5, Falcon 9 of SpaceX, the recently launched Soyuz, Long March 3B of China, etc.

What is the hot test?

This test is conducted to bring the flight unit to life for the first time. Meaning, the engine is ignited for the first time, The test is the preliminary step in a rocket launch.

What does a propulsion complex do?

The complex provides storable liquid propellants. Activities such as assembly and testing are conducted in the complex. The main objective of the propulsion complex is to meet the zero defect demand of ISRO.

Way Forward

The cryogenic engine will now be integrated with the propellant tanks, stage structures, and associated fluid lines to realize the fully integrated flight cryogenic stage. The Chandrayaan-3 mission is slated to be launched in the latter part of 2023 to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. The CE-20 engine was developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.

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