ISRO achieves major breakthrough in Semicryogenic Engine development

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 ISRO is achieving progress in the design &development of a Semicryogenic engine or Liquid Oxygen / Kerosene enginewith a high thrust of 2000 kNthat will power the Semicryogenic booster stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle. The first major breakthrough in the Semicryogenic engine development programme was achieved on March 28, 2025, when the first successful hot test of Engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA),was carried out at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.

The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) of ISRO is developing the Semi cryogenic propulsion Engine and Stage. The stage (SC120) powered by the 2000kN semi-cryogenic engine (SE2000) will replace the present core liquid stage (L110) of LVM3 for payload enhancement and power the booster stages of future launch vehicles. Non toxic and non hazardous propellants (Liquid Oxygen and Kerosene) are employed in Semi cryogenic propulsion and this will deliver higher performance compared to existing L110 stage. Induction of Semi cryogenic propulsion system along with uprated cryogenic stage in the LVM3 vehicle enhances its payload capability from 4 tonne to 5 tonne in GTO.

Major subsystems of SE-2000 engine include thrust chamber, pre-burner, turbo pump system, control components and start up system. The SE2000 engine works with a complex oxidizer rich staged combustion cycle with high chamber pressure of 180 bar (with propellant feed system delivering pressures up to 600 bar) & specific impulse of 335s. The complex engine hardware uses special materials to withstand the high temperature and oxidiser rich combustion. The hardware along with the space grade kerosene are realised in partnership with Indian industry. The development of this engine in these high thrust levels is highly challenging and this technology is available with only very few nations.

ISRO

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