ISRO Successfully Tests SE2000 Engine for Next-Gen LVM3 Rocket Upgrade

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) effectively performed the 3rd scorching check of its semi-cryogenic engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA) on 28 May 2025 on the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri. The check is a part of a sequence of efficiency opinions geared toward validating key subsystems of the 2000 kN-class SE2000 engine that can ultimately energy the SC120 propulsion degree meant to switch the prevailing L110 liquid core degree of the LVM3 release automobile. ISRO started this collection of efficiency opinions in March 2025, specializing in important parts corresponding to low- and high-pressure turbo-pumps, the pre-burner, the start-up machine, and quite a lot of keep watch over mechanisms.

The three-phased trials

According to the authentic ISRO press release, the PHTA has passed through two scorching assessments previous, which incorporated all programs excluding the thrust chamber. The first check on 28.03.2025 demonstrated the graceful ignition & bootstrap operation over a brief period of two.5 seconds. The 2nd scorching check on 24.04.2025 demonstrated the beginning temporary build-up and examined the start-up collection by means of sporting out a hot-firing for a period of three.5 seconds. The 3rd check was once performed for a period of three seconds to fine-tune additional & finalize the start-up collection.

The SE2000 employs an oxidizer-rich staged combustion cycle the usage of liquid oxygen and kerosene. It is in a position to ship a chamber strain of 180 bar and a selected impulse of 335 seconds—an improve over the L110 degree’s hydrazine-based propulsion.

Future Integration and Impact on Indian Launch Capability

With the subsystem validations entire, ISRO will now start built-in engine-level trials, shifting towards complete operational readiness. The SC120 degree powered by means of SE2000 is predicted to extend LVM3’s payload capability from 4 to five tonnes to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) and from 8 to ten tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).