India 

ISRO achieves milestone in semi-cryogenic engine development with successful ignition test, paving the way for more cost-effective and efficient propulsion for India's future space missions.

India's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), accomplished a significant feat on May 2, 2024, with the successful ignition test of a critical component for its next-generation launch vehicles. The test involved the Semi-Cryogenic Pre-Burner Ignition Test Article (PITA) at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.

The PITA represents a vital stage in developing a 2000 kN thrust semi-cryogenic engine. This engine will be instrumental in powering the booster stages of future Indian rockets. Unlike conventional cryogenic engines that use extremely cold propellants like liquid hydrogen, semi-cryogenic engines utilize a combination of liquid oxygen (LOX) and kerosene, offering a more cost-effective and efficient alternative.

The test conducted at the recently inaugurated semi-cryo integrated engine test facility (SIET) at IPRC marked the first ignition trial for the PITA. This article is a full complement of the engine's power head system, excluding the turbopumps. The successful ignition signifies a critical step towards validating the engine's starting sequence and the pre-burner's functionality.

This achievement comes on the heels of ISRO's initial hot test conducted in July 2023 on an intermediate configuration of the engine known as the Power Head Test Article (PHTA). The PHTA test successfully demonstrated the ignition and performance for a brief duration.

ISRO has indigenously developed a new start fuel ampule for the semi-cryogenic engine. This ampule utilizes a combination of Triethyle Aluminium and Triethyle Boron, marking the first time ISRO has employed this specific fuel mixture. Notably, the injector's elemental level ignition characteristics were thoroughly evaluated through a series of tests at the Propulsion Research Laboratory Division (PRLD) facility of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).

The successful ignition test of the PITA paves the way for further development of the 2000 kN semi-cryogenic engine. This engine holds immense potential for enhancing the payload capacity and cost-effectiveness of India's future space missions.