ISRO Triumphs with Gaganyaan Propulsion System Tests

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted two hot tests of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) on July 3 at its Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The tests, lasting 30 and 100 seconds, validated the system’s configuration, marking a critical milestone for India’s first human spaceflight mission.

ISRO reported normal performance, with the 100-second test showcasing simultaneous operation of all 16 Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters in steady-state and pulsed modes alongside five 440N Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) engines. “The SMPS is vital for orbital maneuvers and abort scenarios,” ISRO stated, with the system developed by the Liquid Propulsion System Centre (LPSC) in Bengaluru and Valiamala.

The tests incorporated design enhancements from prior trials to mimic flight conditions closely. ISRO plans a full-duration test soon, building confidence for the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send three astronauts to a 400 km orbit for three days, followed by a safe return to Indian waters. Posts on X celebrated the achievement, with users praising ISRO’s steady progress toward human spaceflight by 2026.

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The SMPS, comprising five 440N LAM engines and 16 100N RCS thrusters, ensures precise orbit injection, circularization, and de-boost maneuvers. With two uncrewed missions and an abort test scheduled for 2025, ISRO’s rigorous testing reinforces India’s ambition to join the elite club of nations with human spaceflight capabilities.

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