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ISRO Successfully Tests Vikas Engine Restart Capability
- On January 17, 2025, ISRO successfully demonstrated the restart capability of the Vikas liquid engine.
- The test was conducted at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
- This achievement represents a significant step forward in ISRO’s development of reusable launch vehicle technology.
Test Details
- Initial Firing: The Vikas engine was ignited and operated for 60 seconds.
- Shutdown Period: Following the initial burn, the engine was shut down for 120 seconds.
- Restart and Subsequent Firing: After the shutdown, the engine was successfully restarted and fired for an additional 7 seconds.
Throughout the test, all engine parameters remained normal and met expected performance standards.
Significance of the Achievement
- Engine Role: The Vikas engine powers the liquid stages of PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3.
- Restart Importance: Demonstrating restart capability is vital for recovery and reuse of rocket stages.
- Cost Reduction: This technology can significantly lower the expenses of future space missions.
Previous and Future Tests
- December 2024 Test: ISRO conducted a shorter-duration restart test in December 2024, involving a 42-second shutdown period and a 7-second firing. This test also yielded successful results, indicating stable combustion and subsystem performance.
- Upcoming Tests: ISRO plans to conduct further tests to optimize the engine’s performance under various restart conditions, advancing toward fully reusable launch vehicle technology.
Throttleable Vikas Engine Development
- Throttleable Vikas Engine: ISRO is developing a throttleable version to aid booster stage recovery.
- Successful Test Date: A successful test was conducted on January 30, 2023.
- Thrust Adjustment: Throttling to 67% thrust level was demonstrated for 43 seconds.
- Pressure Variation: Chamber pressure reduced from 58.5 bar to 40 bar in steps.
- Stable Combustion: Stable combustion was observed throughout the test.
LVM3 Core Liquid Stage Flag-Off
- Vikas Restart Day: ISRO Chairperson V. Narayanan flagged off the LVM3 core liquid stage (L110).
- L110 Stage Details: Powered by twin Vikas engines with a 110-tonne propellant capacity.
- LVM3 Mission: Assigned to launch the BlueBird Block 2 satellite.
- Commercial Agreement: Partnership between NSIL and AST SpaceMobile & Science, LLC.
- Launch Location: Set for deployment from Sriharikota launch complex.
Important questions
- What was the duration of the initial firing and restart firing during the Vikas engine test?
- Why is demonstrating restart capability important for the Vikas engine?
- What are the key features of the throttleable version of the Vikas engine being developed by ISRO?
- Which mission is the LVM3 core liquid stage (L110) designated for, and under which commercial agreement?
- Where was the Vikas engine restart capability test conducted?
Conclusion
ISRO’s successful demonstration of the Vikas engine’s restart capability, along with ongoing developments in engine throttling and reusable launch vehicle technology, underscores its commitment to advancing India’s space exploration capabilities. These efforts are poised to make space missions more cost-effective and sustainable in the future.
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