The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has conducted a 10s test of the indigenous cryogenic liquid oxygen-liquid hydrogen upper stage engine being developed for uprated versions of the country's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
The GSLV currently uses a Russian cryogenic upper stage, but is due to be replaced with the 7.5t-thrust indigenous engine, which carries 12.5t of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.
The ISRO says the test, conducted at its Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre in Mahendragiri, southern India, was successful. The first test of the engine, in February 2000, suffered a liquid hydrogen leak and resulted in a fire which forced the engine to be shutdown.
The three stage, 400t GSLV, fitted with the Russian cryogenic engine, made its first flight last April. The GSLV is being readied to launch India's INSAT domestic satellites, which are currently launchedby European Ariane boosters.
Meanwhile, ISRO says it is developing a 900kg (1,980lb) recoverable microgravity experiments satellite. The Microgravity Applications Recoverable Satellite (MARS) will operate in a 500km (310 mile) Earth orbit after launch by an Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle. It will carry 250kg of experiments, before re-entering the atmosphere and landing by parachute after a three-month mission.
Source: Flight International
