ISRO Tests SemiCryogenic Engine

PWOnlyIAS

April 28, 2025

ISRO Tests SemiCryogenic Engine

Recently, ISRO successfully conducted the second short-duration hot test of its semicryogenic engine at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC),Mahendragiri,Tamilnadu validating engine start-up sequence and stable ignition.

About ISRO’s Semicryogenic Engine

  • ISRO’s semicryogenic engine uses liquid oxygen (LOX) as the oxidizer and refined kerosene (RP-1) as fuel, operating at extremely high pressures and temperatures.
  • Features: It offers higher thrust, better efficiency, reusability potential, and simpler handling compared to full cryogenic systems, operating partly under cryogenic conditions.
  • Significance: It will enhance ISRO’s launch vehicle capabilities, making them more powerful, cost-effective, and globally competitive for heavier payloads.

Difference Between Cryogenic and Semicryogenic Engines 

Aspect Cryogenic Engine Semicryogenic Engine
Fuel Used Liquid hydrogen (LH2) Refined kerosene (RP-1)
Oxidizer Used Liquid oxygen (LOX) Liquid oxygen (LOX)
Operating Temperatures Extremely low (both fuel and oxidizer are cryogenic) Oxidizer is cryogenic; fuel is at normal temperature
Complexity Higher (due to LH2 handling and storage challenges) Moderate (kerosene is easier to store and use)
Thrust Generally lower for size Higher thrust compared to cryogenic for size
Efficiency (Specific Impulse) Very high efficiency Moderate to high efficiency
Use Case Upper stages of launch vehicles (precision) Core/first stages (initial heavy lift-off)

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Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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