The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a major milestone in the human rating of its CE20 cryogenic engine that will power the LVM3 rocket to carry Indian astronauts. Additionally, the first unmanned Gaganyaan (G1) mission is tentatively scheduled for Q2 of 2024.
ISRO completed the final round of ground qualification tests for the CE20 cryogenic engine on February 13. These tests included life demonstration, endurance, and performance assessment under nominal and off-nominal conditions.
Four engines underwent 39 hot firing tests under different operating conditions for a cumulative duration of 8,810 seconds, meeting the minimum human rating qualification standard requirement of 6,350 seconds. The acceptance tests of the flight engine identified for the first unmanned Gaganyaan (G1) mission have also been successfully completed.
ISRO Chairman S. Somanath has stated that 2024 will be the Year of Gaganyaan for ISRO, with plans for two more abort missions, two unmanned missions, helicopter drop tests, launchpad abort tests, and more.
Overall, ISRO’s progress towards the human space mission is on track, with the agency successfully meeting the rigorous testing and qualification standards for its engines and other mission components.
The achievement of these milestones marks significant progress for India’s human space mission and brings ISRO closer to realizing its goal of sending Indian astronauts into space in the coming years.
