Chennai, Jan 21 : In a significant step, the high thrust Vikas engine

for the maiden Gaganyaan mission has successfuly undergone qualification

test.l

The qualification test was conducted for a duration of 25 seconds at the

ISRO Propulsion Complex at Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu 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.(UNI)