The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted a key ground test of its CE20 cryogenic engine, demonstrating higher thrust capability that could improve the performance of India’s heavy-lift rocket, the LVM3 launch vehicle. The sea-level hot test was carried out on March 10 at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu, where the engine operated for 165 seconds and generated about 22 tonnes of thrust.

The CE20 engine powers the upper stage of LVM3 and is critical for missions requiring heavy payloads. It has also been human-rated for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission. ISRO said the higher-thrust testing is aimed at enhancing the rocket’s payload capacity for future satellite and space exploration missions.