3.07.2023
The engine dubbed, Power Head Test Article (PHTA), was fired at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, but it was terminated moments later.
In Short
- The engine is dubbed Power Head Test Article (PHTA)
- The test was to last for 4.5 seconds
- At 2.0 seconds the sudden spike was noted
The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) terminated the first hot test of a new semi-cryogenic engine that is being designed to power future launch vehicles to space.
The engine dubbed, Power Head Test Article (PHTA), was fired at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, but it was terminated moments later due to an unanticipated spike in the turbine pressure.
This spike led to the loss of turbine-speed after which the hot-test was stopped.
"The test was conducted towards developing a 2000 kN thrust semi-cryogenic engine to power the booster stages of future launch vehicles," Isro said in a statement.
Isro added that the objective of the test was to validate the integrated performance of the critical subsystems such as the gas generator, turbo pumps, pre-burner and control components of the newly developed engine.
The test was to last for 4.5 seconds, during which the engine's performance was to be analysed. Following the ignition, the test went on smoothly for 1.9 seconds. However, at 2.0 seconds the sudden spike was noted by the system and as a precautionary step, the test was terminated.
The Indian space agency said that the semi-cryogenic engine utilises a propellant combination of Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Kerosene, and the power head test article forms the first hardware test of the engine development program.
The test was carried out the dedicated test facility recently established at IPRC for testing semi-cryogenic engines and stages. Isro had commenced the testing of the PHTA in May 2023 at this facility.
The test comes against the backdrop of Isro in the final stages of preparing to launch the ambitious Chandrayaan-3 mission to the Moon.
"Currently the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft is fully integrated. We have completed the testing. Currently, the window of opportunity for launch is between July 12 to 19. We will announce the exact date after all the tests are completed," Isro chief S Somnath has said.
Quelle: INDIA TODAY
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First hot test of the Semi-cryogenic engine conducted at IPRC, Mahendragiri
On July 1, 2023, ISRO conducted the first hot test on an intermediate configuration of the Semi-cryogenic Engine, known as Power Head Test Article (PHTA) at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The test was conducted towards developing a 2000 kN thrust semi-cryogenic engine to power the booster stages of future launch vehicles.
The objective of the test was to validate the integrated performance of the critical subsystems such as the gas generator, turbo pumps, pre-burner and control components by carrying out a hot-firing for a short-duration of 4.5 s. The ignition and generation of hot-gas within the pre-burner chamber that drives the main turbine to drive the fuel and oxidiser pumps, was focussed.
The test proceeded as predicted till 1.9 s validating the ignition and subsequent performance of PHTA. At 2.0 s, an unanticipated spike in the turbine pressure and subsequent loss of turbine-speed was observed. As a precautionary step, the test was terminated. Analysis under progress would offer further understanding before proceeding with further hot-tests for longer duration.
The semi-cryogenic engine utilizes a propellant combination of Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Kerosene, and the power head test article forms the first hardware test of the engine development program. The test was carried out the dedicated test facility recently established at IPRC for testing semi-cryogenic engines and stages. ISRO had commenced the testing of the PHTA in May 2023 at this facility.
