ISRO Plans To Flight-Test Kerosene Based Semi-Cryogenic Engine By 2021

Following the successful launch of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III (GSLV Mk-III), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is slated to launch a kerosene-based semi-cryogenic engine, projected to be functional for flight tests by 2021. The envisioned engine uses refined kerosene as a propellant, as opposed to the conventional combination of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. However, liquid oxygen will still function as the oxidizer.

An eco-friendly alternative, kerosene can be used after storing at a normal temperature, while the previous liquid hydrogen had to be stored at (-)253 degree Celsius.ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) at Valiyamala is developing the much-delayed technology.

"The idea is to replace the second stage of the GSLV Mk-III, which now uses a liquid stage, with the semi-cryo. The rocket will retain the cryogenic upper, third stage. The advantage of inducing the semi-cryogenic stage is the payload capacity of the GSLV Mk-III will increase from four tons to six tons,” Ajey Lele, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi, told Sputnik.

“The ability to launch higher payload is commercially enticing proposition as well and put India among a select few countries with that capability," he added.

The Union Cabinet had cleared the project in 2008. ISRO plans to develop the engine by the end of 2019 and the stage by 2020, S Somanath, director of LPSC, was quoted by The New Indian Express as saying.

With inputs from ANI