Chennai: In a significant step, the high thrust Vikas engine for the maiden Gaganyaan mission has successfully undergone qualification test.
The qualification test was conducted for a duration of 25 seconds at the ISRO Propulsion Complex at Mahendragiri in Tamilnadu and it was successful, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
With regard to the Vikas engine qualification for the Gaganyaan Programme, two engines have already undergone tests under nominal operating conditions for a total duration of 480 seconds.
The test carried out yesterday was to verify the robustness of the engine by operating beyond its nominal operating conditions (fuel-oxidiser ratio and chamber pressure).
‘The performance of the engine met the test objectives and the engine parameters were closely matching with the predictions during the entire duration of the test’, ISRO said.
Further, three more tests are planned for a cumulative duration of 75 seconds under varying operating conditions.
Subsequently, another high thrust Vikas engine will undergo a long duration test for 240 seconds to complete the Vikas engine qualification for Gaganyaan Programme.
