The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed the flight acceptance hot test for the indigenous CE20 cryogenic engine, which will power the upper stage of the next LVM3 launch (LVM3-M7).

Conducted on July 6 at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, the test marked the first use of the newly developed Nozzle Protection System (NPS) during a flight acceptance test.The engine operated at 19.5 tonnes thrust for 45 seconds and reached its maximum rated thrust of 22 tonnes for 25 seconds, confirming satisfactory performance.

The CE20 engine, which has successfully powered eight consecutive LVM3 missions including Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3, is now ready for refurbishment and integration with the C32 cryogenic stage.

The NPS simplifies testing procedures, reduces resource requirements, and enables longer-duration tests, streamlining future acceptance testing for upcoming LVM3 launches, including missions under the Gaganyaan programme.This achievement underscores ISRO's progress in indigenous technology development and its commitment to advancing space exploration capabilities.