Isro terminates semi-cryogenic test after spike in turbine speed

Bengaluru: The Indian Space Research Organisation terminated the first hot test on an intermediate configuration of the semicryogenic engine following an unanticipated spike in the turbine pressure and subsequent loss of turbine speed.

The intermediate configuration of the semi-cryogenic engine is also known as a power head test article.

he July 1 test at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, was conducted towards developing a 2,000 kN (Kilonewton) thrust semi-cryogenic engine to power the booster stages of future launch vehicles, the Bengaluru-headquartered space agency said in a statement on Monday.

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 seconds, it said.

"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 statement from Isro said.

"The test proceeded as predicted till 1.9 seconds validating the ignition and subsequent performance of PHTA. At 2.0 seconds, an unanticipated spike in the turbine pressure and subsequent loss of turbine speed was observed," it added. (PTI)