ISRO Successfully Demonstrates Vikas Engine Restart Capability

January 21, 2025

Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved milestones with its Vikas liquid engine. The successful demonstration of engine restart capabilities marks a critical step towards enhancing the reusability of launch vehicles. This progress aligns with ISRO’s commitment to advancing space technology and commercial operations.

Vikas Engine Overview

The Vikas engine is a family of hypergolic liquid-fuel rocket engines developed by ISRO. It powers the liquid stages of various launch vehicles, including PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3. The engine was first developed in the 1970s and has undergone several enhancements since.

Recent Testing Milestones

On January 17, 2025, ISRO successfully demonstrated the restart of the Vikas engine. The test involved firing the engine for 60 seconds, shutting it off for 120 seconds, and then restarting it for an additional seven seconds. Previous tests in December 2024 had shorter shut-off durations.

Engine Specifications

The Vikas engine operates using a combination of Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) as fuel and Nitrogen Tetroxide (N2O4) as an oxidiser. It achieves a maximum thrust of 725 kN. The propellant loading varies – 40 tonnes for PSLV and GSLV Mark I and II, and 55 tonnes for LVM3.

Types of Vikas Engines

There are several variants of the Vikas engine, including:

HTVE (High Thrust Vikas Engine): Modified engine with 800 kN thrust for GSLV.
HPVE (High Pressure Vikas Engine): Under development for future GSLV boosters.

Throttling Tests

The first throttling test of the Vikas engine occurred in January 2023, achieving a 67% thrust level for 43 seconds. Throttling allows for precise control of speed and trajectory during missions.

Applications in Gaganyaan Mission

The Vikas engine will play important role in India’s Gaganyaan mission, the country’s first manned space initiative. A high-thrust variant underwent successful testing to ensure resilience under extreme conditions.

Commercial Launch Operations

ISRO has flagged off the L110 core liquid stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle for commercial operations. This mission is part of a commercial agreement to launch the BlueBird Block-2 satellite, further establishing ISRO’s role in global space commerce.

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