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Mains level: Successful PHTA Test of ISRO's Semi-Cryogenic Engine
Why in the News?
ISRO successfully conducted a hot test on the semi-cryogenic engine (SE2000), a key step towards finalizing the cryogenic stage for future launch vehicles. This Power Head Test Article (PHTA) is the first hardware test for semi-cryogenic engines.
About the SE2000 Engine
- The SE2000 engine is a semi-cryogenic rocket engine developed by ISRO to enhance propulsion for future heavy-lift launch vehicles.
- It is designed to power the booster stages of rockets, increasing payload capacity and efficiency.
- The engine operates on a Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Refined Kerosene (RP-1) combination, unlike traditional cryogenic engines that use LOX and Liquid Hydrogen (LH2).
- Key features of the SE2000 engine:
- Thrust capability: 2000 kN (kilonewtons), making it one of ISRO’s most powerful engines.
- Higher density impulse: Provides better efficiency than LOX-LH2 combinations.
- Cost-effective: Kerosene is cheaper and easier to handle than liquid hydrogen.
- Storage advantages: Kerosene can be stored at ambient temperatures, unlike liquid hydrogen, which requires -253°C for storage.
- The engine is expected to enhance the performance of LVM3 and will be used in ISRO’s Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).
- Applications of the SE2000 engine:
- Heavy-lift launch missions with increased payload capacity.
- Future space exploration programs, including human spaceflight missions like Gaganyaan.
- Reusable launch vehicles, contributing to cost-effective and sustainable space travel.
What is the PHTA Test?
- The PHTA test is a crucial hardware test conducted as part of the SE2000 semi-cryogenic engine development process.
- It is designed to validate key engine subsystems before full-scale integration and testing.
- Purpose of the PHTA test:
- Ensure subsystems perform as expected under operational conditions.
- Evaluate pressure, temperature, thrust efficiency, and fuel combustion.
- Identify potential technical issues before moving to full engine testing.
- A previous attempt in July 2023 was aborted due to technical issues at ISRO’s Mahendragiri facility.
Back2Basics: Semi-Cryogenic vs. Cryogenic Engines
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PYQ:[2018] With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: 1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites. 2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth. 3. GSLV Mk III is a four-stage launch l vehicle with the first and third stages l using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 2 (d) 3 only |
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