The Indian space agency faced a small setback in its quest towards realisation of a semi-cryogenic engine as it terminated a hot test midway.
According to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on July 1,2023, it had 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 (kilo Newton) thrust semi-cryogenic engine to power the booster stages of future launch vehicles.
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. As a precautionary step, the test was terminated. Analysis under progress would offer further understanding before proceeding with further hot-tests for longer duration,” ISRO said.
According to ISRO, 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.
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 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.
PM Modi pays tribute to fallen heroes on Republic Day at National War Memorial
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 76th Republic Day by paying homage to India's fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
BSF unfurls Tricolour at Attari-Wagah border on 76th Republic Day
On the occasion of the 76th Republic Day, the Border Security Force (BSF) on Sunday held the customary national flag hoisting ceremony at the Attari-Wagah Border in Amritsar, Punjab.
Bio-village 2.0 project to be executed in 5 villages of Tripura’s Khowai district
In a significant step towards sustainable development, the state science and technology minister Animesh Debbarma on Saturday launched bio-village 2.0 project in atleast 5 villages in Tulasikhar R D Block in Khowai district.
Tripura: Congress protests against Bangladesh embankment
Seeking the Union government’s intervention, the opposition Congress on Saturday organised a demonstration along the India-Bangladesh border areas in northern Tripura’s Unakoti district to protest the construction of an embankment by the neighbouring country along the boundary.
TRIPURA: Chief Secretary J K Sinha inaugurates 15th National Voters’ Day
Along with the rest of the nation, Tripura on Saturday celebrated 15th National Voters’ Day. The main function was held here at Agartala Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan on Saturday morning.
Two youths from Bihar held in Tripura with sophisticated revolver
Ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, Tripura Police arrested two youths hailing from Bihar with a sophisticated revolver, officials said on Saturday.