India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission, aiming to send humans into space, received a major boost on Wednesday. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced the successful human rating of its CE20 cryogenic engine, a crucial component of the launch vehicle.
“This is a significant milestone,” ISRO said in a statement. “The final test was conducted at the High Altitude Test Facility in Mahendragiri, simulating flight conditions.”
The CE20 engine underwent rigorous testing, exceeding the minimum human rating standards by accumulating 8810 seconds of hot firing across different conditions. This comprehensive testing ensures the engine’s reliability and safety for carrying astronauts.
“The Gaganyaan mission, targeted for launch in 2024-2025, aims to send three astronauts on a three-day orbital mission,” ISRO added. “They will orbit Earth at 400 km before returning for a safe landing in Indian waters.”
Furthermore, ISRO has completed acceptance tests for the flight engine powering the first unmanned Gaganyaan mission (G1), scheduled for the second quarter of 2024. This engine boasts a thrust capability of 19-22 tonnes and a high specific impulse, propelling the human-rated LVM3 vehicle towards its orbital journey.
ISRO’s ambitions don’t stop there. The organization is aiming to establish its own space station, “Bharatiya Antariksha Station,” by 2035. And even more audacious, they have set their sights on sending the first Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
This successful engine rating marks a crucial step towards India’s dream of becoming a major spacefaring nation. With dedicated efforts and technological advancements, ISRO is poised to make history in the years to come.
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