ISRO Tests Gaganyaan Engines, Nears Historic Human Spaceflight
By : Krishna Mishra
**ISRO Successfully Tests Propulsion System for Gaganyaan Mission, Marking Major Milestone**
In a key advancement toward India’s first human spaceflight mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed two hot tests of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
The tests — one lasting 30 seconds and the other 100 seconds — were designed to validate the configuration and performance of the SMPS, a vital part of the Gaganyaan Orbital Module. Both tests were completed successfully, with ISRO confirming that the propulsion system functioned precisely as expected, matching pre-test predictions.
A major highlight of the 100-second trial was the simultaneous firing of all 16 Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters, both in steady-state and pulsed modes, along with all five Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) engines. These components are critical for controlling the spacecraft’s orientation and conducting orbital maneuvers.
The SMPS plays a dual role — enabling orbital operations and supporting emergency escape procedures, should they be needed during flight. The system includes five LAM engines, each producing 440 Newtons of thrust, and 16 RCS thrusters, each delivering 100 Newtons.
The Liquid Propulsion System Centre (LPSC) is leading the development of this technology. ISRO engineers introduced enhancements to the SMPS based on insights from earlier tests and simulated near-flight conditions for this round of trials.
Following these successful hot tests, ISRO officials expressed strong confidence in the system and announced plans for a full-duration test in the near future. This upcoming test will further certify the propulsion system before its integration into the final Gaganyaan Orbital Module.
The Gaganyaan mission, which will carry Indian astronauts into space, is a landmark initiative in India's space journey. With each successful test, ISRO is moving closer to launching its first crewed mission and joining the ranks of nations with human spaceflight capabilities.