ISRO Successfully Tests Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System
ISRO has successfully conducted two hot tests of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri on July 3, 2025.
The tests, held for 30 seconds and 100 seconds, aimed to validate the configuration of the test article. The propulsion system performed normally during both tests, meeting pre-test predictions.
Testing Thrusters and Engines in Different Modes
During the 100-second test, ISRO demonstrated the simultaneous operation of all Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters in steady and pulsed modes, along with all Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) engines. This operation is critical for ensuring stable control during orbital manoeuvres and possible abort scenarios during the Gaganyaan mission.
ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) is leading the technology development for the Gaganyaan SMPS, a key system within the Orbital Module of the mission. The system includes five LAM engines, each providing 440 Newtons of thrust, and 16 RCS thrusters, each delivering 100 Newtons of thrust.
Moving Closer to Flight-Ready Systems
The recent hot tests incorporated improvements based on the experience gained from previous trials, ensuring conditions closer to actual flight scenarios. These enhancements help in refining system reliability for the mission.
With the success of these tests, ISRO has gained further confidence in the propulsion system’s readiness. The agency plans to conduct a full-duration hot test shortly as it continues preparations for the Gaganyaan mission.
The Gaganyaan mission aims to demonstrate India’s human spaceflight capabilities by sending astronauts to low Earth orbit and bringing them back safely.
with inputs from Reuters