Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully performs hot testing of the Gaganyaan propulsion system.

On July 3, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) accomplished two hot tests of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) at its Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, signifying an important milestone in the national human spaceflight endeavour. The brief tests, conducted for 30 seconds and 100 seconds, focused on confirming the configuration of the test article. ISRO verified that the propulsion system functioned as expected, matching pre-test forecasts. The 100-second test effectively showcased the concurrent functioning of all 16 Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters, providing 100 Newtons each, along with five Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) engines, each generating 440 Newtons, in both steady-state and pulsed configurations. The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) of ISRO is spearheading the technology advancement for the SMPS, vital for orbital maneuvers and particular abort situations throughout the Gaganyaan mission. The recent tests included improvements derived from insights gained in earlier experiments, replicating flight-like scenarios. ISRO mentioned that a complete-duration hot test will take place shortly. The Gaganyaan initiative seeks to showcase India’s potential to send a manned spacecraft into low Earth orbit, marking an important milestone in enhancing India’s skills in space exploration.