24.01.2022

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully fired the high-thrust Vikas engine that would power the nation's first man mission -- Gaganyaan.

As reported by ISRO, the Vikas engine underwent a qualification test for a duration of 25 seconds at the ISRO Propulsion Complex that’s located in Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu.According to the space agency, the two engines have undergone tests under nominal operating conditions for a total duration of 480 seconds. 

What was the significance of this test?

The test that was carried out on Thursday was to verify the robustness of the engine by pushing it to the limits and operating it beyond its baseline or nominal operating conditions. This involved stress testing the fuel-oxidiser ratio and chamber pressure. 

The engine performed as per the stipulated test objectives and the engine parameters were almost similar to the predictions throughout the entire duration of the test. 

ISRO

Three more tests remain

However, in case you thought this was the last test, you’d be surprised to note that there are three more tests, with a cumulative duration of 75 seconds, planned for the made-in-India rocket engine.

Moreover, another high-thrust Vikas engine will undergo a long-duration test for 240 seconds to finally complete the Vikas engine qualification for the Gaganyaan programme, according to ISRO. 

There is no specific timeline for the Gaganyaan launch as of now. However, initial plans indicated a humanoid-robot launch to first test the rocket in 2021 followed by an all-human crew in 2022 to commemorate India’s 75th year of Independence. 

Quelle: India Times