New Delhi: Gaganyaan mission has reached another important milestone after the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed a key semi-cryogenic engine test. ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan said the latest test achieved nearly 90% of the planned thrust load, marking a major success. He also confirmed that ISRO is now preparing for the full engine test while work on the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission continues.
Gaganyaan Mission: ISRO Achieves Major Engine Testing Milestone
Speaking in Bengaluru, Dr. V. Narayanan said the recently completed test excluded the thrust chamber but successfully reached close to 90% of the required thrust load.
He described the achievement as a major milestone for India’s next-generation propulsion technology. The successful test now clears the way for the upcoming complete engine test.
Details of Major Breakthrough in Gaganyaan Mission
The test involved the Semi-Cryogenic Engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA) at ISRO’s propulsion facility. According to ISRO, the Power Head Test Article contains all major engine systems except the thrust chamber. During the latest hot test, it successfully operated at around 175 tonnes of thrust (about 88–90% of its target level), making it the highest thrust level achieved so far in this test series.
Gaganyaan Mission Progress
Dr. Narayanan said Gaganyaan is one of India’s most technology-intensive space missions. Before sending astronauts into space, ISRO must complete:
- Human-rating of the launch vehicle.
- Three uncrewed test missions.
- Final system validation and safety checks.
He added that preparations for the first uncrewed mission are progressing well and official launch dates will be announced soon.
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