On March 28, 2025, ISRO achieved a major milestone in its Semicryogenic engine development programme with the first successful hot test of the Engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA) at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
- Programme Overview: The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) is developing the semi-cryogenic propulsion engine (SE2000) and its corresponding stage (SC120). The SC120 stage, powered by the 2000 kN SE2000 engine, is set to replace the current L110 core liquid stage of the LVM3 vehicle.
Technical Advantages:
- Propellant System: Utilizes non-toxic and non-hazardous propellants—Liquid Oxygen and Kerosene—delivering higher performance compared to the L110 stage.
- Performance Boost: Integration of the semi-cryogenic system alongside an uprated cryogenic stage enhances the LVM3 vehicle’s payload capability from 4 tonnes to 5 tonnes in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
Key Subsystems of the SE2000 Engine:
- Thrust chamber
- Pre-burner
- Turbo pump system
- Control components
- Start-up system
Engine Specifications: The SE2000 engine operates on an oxidizer-rich staged combustion cycle, featuring:
- A high chamber pressure of 180 bar (with the propellant feed system delivering pressures up to 600 bar)
- A specific impulse of 335 seconds
(Source: ISRO)
