Wed Nov 19 10:34:41 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:
Summary:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully tested a “boot-strap mode” start on its CE20 cryogenic engine, the engine used on the upper stage of the LVM3 rocket. This test, conducted on November 7, 2025, at the High-Altitude Test facility in Mahendragiri, demonstrates the ability to start the engine without external assistance, improving mission flexibility and payload capacity for future LVM3 flights. ISRO claims this is the first successful demonstration of this technology on a gas-generator cycle cryogenic engine globally.
News Article:
ISRO Achieves Breakthrough in Cryogenic Engine Technology, Enhancing Future Mission Capabilities
Bengaluru – November 19, 2025 – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced today that it has successfully demonstrated a “boot-strap mode” start on its CE20 cryogenic engine, marking a significant advancement in India’s space program and potentially a world first. The test, conducted on November 7, 2025, at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, proves the engine can now be started without relying on external gas-based startup systems.
The CE20 engine powers the upper stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark -3 (LVM3) rocket, a crucial component for launching heavier payloads into orbit. Currently, the engine requires a stored gas system for ignition. This new boot-strap method allows the engine to self-ignite, building up to steady operation without external assistance.
“For future missions, multiple in-flight restarts of the CE20 engine will be required for mission flexibility towards multi-orbit missions,” ISRO stated. “However, with the present configuration, each restart demands an additional start-up gas bottle and associated systems, leading to a reduction in vehicle payload capability. Hence, achieving boot-strap mode start is essential.”
The successful test, which involved a multi-element igniter in the thrust chamber and gas generator, paves the way for increased payload capacity and greater flexibility in future LVM3 missions. ISRO believes this achievement represents the first successful demonstration of boot-strap mode starting of a gas-generator cycle cryogenic engine without any auxiliary start-up system anywhere in the world. This breakthrough will likely bolster India’s capabilities in complex space missions, including multi-orbit deployments and future Gaganyaan manned missions.
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