India will take a major step towards a fully autonomous space programme next month with the 1,200s static test-firing of a fully indigenous 7.5t (73.5kN)-thrust cryogenic engine designed to be used on later versions of the country's Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
The first GSLV missions will use a Russian Proton-based upper-stage engine. The third, with the Indian upper-stage engine, is to fly in 2001. India hopes that, with an uprated vehicle, it will be able to launch all of its own satellites within four years of the first flight. Europe's Arianespace currently launches India's large communications satellites.
The vital test will be carried out at the Indian Space Research Organisation's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre at Mahendragiri. The liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen-powered engine will be incorporated into a 2.8m (9ft)-diameter, 9m-long upper stage.
Source: Flight International