An indigenous cryogenic stage developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been successfully tested on the ground for a duration of 8 minutes, at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) at Mahendragiri, India.
A cryogenic stage is used as the topmost stage in ISRO’s Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) for putting INSAT-class of satellites into orbit, with this test and all parameters of the stage performing normally.
In a GSLV flight, the cryogenic stage performs for 12 minutes before ejecting the satellite into orbit and after the successful completion of the 8 minute assessment, ISRO will test for the full duration of 12 minutes at a later date.
The development involves complex technology and the use of propellants at extremely low temperatures, the propellants used in this cryogenic stage including liquid hydrogen at minus 260 degrees Celsius and liquid oxygen at minus 160 degrees Celsius.
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