Isro conducts tests on Gaganyaan engines, advancing India’s goal of sending humans into space.

In a major advancement for India’s inaugural human spaceflight mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has effectively conducted two hot tests of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) at the Isro Propulsion Complex (IPRC) located in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.

The tests aimed to confirm the configuration and performance of the propulsion system, an essential element of the Gaganyaan Orbital Module. The initial hot test lasted 30 seconds, succeeded by a second, longer test of 100 seconds. As stated by Isro, both tests were successfully conducted, with the propulsion system functioning precisely as anticipated in pre-test evaluations.

A major feature of the 100-second test was the concurrent activation of all 16 Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters in steady-state and pulsed modes, together with all five Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) engines. These engines will be utilized to navigate the vehicle.

This demonstration is essential, as the SMPS needs to manage intricate maneuvers and abort situations throughout the Gaganyaan mission.

The SMPS handles orbital maneuvers and emergency abort procedures. It comprises five LAM engines, each generating 440 Newtons of thrust, and sixteen RCS thrusters, each supplying 100 Newtons. The system’s strong design and successful evaluations are crucial for guaranteeing crew safety and mission achievement. The Liquid Propulsion System Centre (LPSC) is at the forefront of SMPS technology advancement. For these intense tests, engineers included enhancements derived from insights gained from earlier trials, replicating conditions as accurately as possible to those anticipated in real flight.

Isro officials voiced assurance after the successful tests and revealed that plans are in progress for a complete duration hot test soon. This phase will enhance the validation of the propulsion system prior to its integration into the Gaganyaan Orbital Module.

The Gaganyaan mission, designed to launch Indian astronauts into space, signifies a significant advancement for India’s space initiative. With every successful experiment, Isro draws nearer to achieving its goal of human spaceflight and strengthening India’s status in the worldwide space community.