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ISRO has accomplished a major milestone in the human rating of its CE20 cryogenic engine.
This engine powers the cryogenic stage of the human-rated LVM3 launch vehicle for Gaganyaan missions.
In addition, completion of the final round of ground qualification tests.
The CE20 engine identified for the first uncrewed flight LVM3 G1 also went through acceptance tests.
Human-rating refers to rating a system that is capable of safely transporting humans.
CE20 Cryogenic engine
The CE20 cryogenic engine is a powerful rocket engine developed by the ISRO.
It is the first Indian cryogenic engine to feature a gas-generator cycle, and it is used to power the upper stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle.
The CE20 engine has a nominal thrust of 200 kN (20.3 tonnes-force) and a specific impulse of 442 seconds in vacuum.
It can be throttled between 180 kN and 220 kN, and it has a thrust-to-weight ratio of 34.7.
The engine burns liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX) propellants.
The CE20 engine has been successfully tested for use in human spaceflight, and it will be used to power the Gaganyaan spacecraft on its mission to the Moon.
Key features of the CE20 cryogenic engine:
High thrust: The CE20 engine has a nominal thrust of 200 kN, which is more than twice the thrust of the previous generation of Indian cryogenic engines.
High efficiency: The CE20 engine has a specific impulse of 442 seconds, which is one of the highest of any cryogenic engine in the world.
Throttling capability: The CE20 engine can be throttled between 180 kN and 220 kN, which gives it more flexibility than previous engines.
Human-rated: The CE20 engine has been successfully tested for use in human spaceflight, and it will be used to power the Gaganyaan spacecraft on its mission to the Moon.
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