The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 25 January 2017 successfully ground tested its indigenously developed Cryogenic Upper Stage for GSLV Mk III rocket.
The cryogenic upper stage, designated as C25, was tested for 50 seconds at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) at Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu demonstrating all the stage operations. It was the first test in a series of two tests. The second test is planned for flight duration of 640 seconds.
This first flight stage for GSLV Mk III D1 mission is in an advanced stage of realisation. It is scheduled to launch GSAT-19 during first quarter of 2017.
About Cryogenic Engine C25
• Cryogenic engines are generally used in the upper stage of a rocket launch as they offer maximum thrust to a launcher vehicle.
• The development of C25 cryogenic stage began after receiving approval of GSLV Mk III, ISRO’s next generation launch vehicle that is capable of launching heavy four tonne class spacecraft in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
• C25 stage was conceptualised by Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) with the help of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) and Sathish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC).
• GSLV Mk III vehicle consists of two solid strap-on motors, one earth storable liquid core stage and the other cryogenic upper stage.
• C25 stage is the most powerful upper stage developed by ISRO and uses Liquid Oxygen and Liquid Hydrogen propellant combination.
• This stage is capable of carrying 27.8 tons of propellants loaded in two independent tanks.
Generally, the development of a cryogenic stage has some unique design challenges as it has liquid Oxygen stored at -195 deg C and liquid Hydrogen stored at -253 deg C in its tanks.
To store these cryogenic fluids, special multi-layer insulation is provided for the tanks and other structures.
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