Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully test the propulsion system of the Gaganyaan Service Module. This test was conduct at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri.
During the test, engineers fire five liquid apogee motor (LAM) engines with a thrust of 440 N and sixteen reaction control system (RCS) Thrusters with a thrust of 100 N.
ISRO said that the Service Module of Gaganyaan is a regulate bi-propellant-based propulsion system that caters to the requirements of the Orbital Module, performing orbit injection, circularization, on-orbit control, de-boost maneuvering, and service module-based abort if any during the ascent phase of the mission.
As the propulsion system will act as a key instrument to guide the service module in which astronauts will be sitting.
ISRO said that the 440 N Thrust LAM engines provide the main propulsive force during the mission ascending phase and the RCS thrusters ensure precise attitude correction.
ISRO said :
“The hot test of the System Demonstration Model (SDM) emulated the fluid circuit of the Service Module Propulsion System, encompassing the propellant tank feed system, helium pressurization system, flight-qualified thrusters, and control components. The first hot test of the Phase-2 test series demonstrated the integrated performance of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System,”.
Also ISRO did not say anything about the plans of the maiden abort test of the Gaganyaan mission, it added that the successful completion of this hot test proves that the SMPS has advance in demonstrating its integrate performance in the full configuration.
The hot test last for 250 seconds and involve the LAM engines firing in continuous mode with RCS thrusters, adhering to the test profile.
The Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System is design and develop by Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC).
