Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducts hot tests of Gaganyaan propulsion system

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved two successful hot tests of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) at its Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri on July 3, highlighting an important milestone in the nation’s human spaceflight endeavour. The 30-second and 100-second brief tests were designed to verify the configuration of the test article. ISRO verified that the propulsion system operated as expected, consistent with pre-test forecasts. The 100-second test effectively showcased the simultaneous functioning of all 16 Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters, each generating 100 Newtons of thrust, along with five Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) engines, each producing 440 Newtons of thrust in both steady-state and pulsed configurations. The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) of ISRO is at the forefront of technological advancements for the SMPS, which is essential for orbital manoeuvres and specific abort situations during the Gaganyaan mission. The most recent tests incorporated improvements derived from insights gained during earlier trials, which replicated flight-like environments. ISRO mentioned that a complete-duration hot test will be conducted shortly. The Gaganyaan initiative seeks to showcase India's capacity to send a manned spacecraft into low Earth orbit, marking an important milestone in enhancing India's skills in space exploration.