The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted a landmark 165-second full-power test of its powerful CE20 cryogenic rocket engine at sea level in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The CE20 cryogenic engine is the upper-stage propulsion system used in India's heavy-lift launch vehicle LVM3, which has been used to deploy OneWeb satellites and Chandrayaan-3 mission. The successful test is a significant milestone in India's space programme as it validates the engine's reliability and readiness for upcoming deep-space missions. ISRO is also working toward buying semiconductor chips domestically to address delays, high costs, and foreign dependency in space systems. India plans to launch a constellation of 52 satellites over the next five years to enhance its space-based surveillance capabilities, according to the Chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).
ISRO Conducts Landmark 165-Second Full-Power Test of CE20 Cryogenic Engine
ISRO successfully tested CE20 cryogenic engine for 165 seconds at full power in Mahendragiri. CE20 powers the upper stage of LVM3 used in Chandrayaan-3 and OneWeb launches.
Key facts
- ISRO successfully conducted a 165-second full-power test of CE20 cryogenic rocket engine at sea level in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu
- CE20 is the upper-stage propulsion system of India's heavy-lift launch vehicle LVM3, used for OneWeb satellites and Chandrayaan-3
- Test validates engine reliability and readiness for upcoming deep-space missions
- ISRO is working toward procuring semiconductor chips domestically to reduce foreign dependency in space systems
- India plans to launch a constellation of 52 satellites over the next five years to enhance space-based surveillance, per IN-SPACe Chairman
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For how many seconds did ISRO run its full-power test of the CE20 cryogenic engine?
ISRO successfully conducted a landmark 165-second full-power test of its CE20 cryogenic rocket engine at sea level in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
Source: PIB
Frequently asked questions
What is the CE20 cryogenic engine and which rocket does it power?
The **CE20 cryogenic engine** is the **upper-stage propulsion system** used in India's heavy-lift launch vehicle **LVM3** (Launch Vehicle Mark-3). It has been used to deploy **OneWeb satellites** and powered the **Chandrayaan-3** lunar mission. The engine runs on liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen as propellants.
What was the duration and location of ISRO's CE20 engine test in March 2026?
ISRO conducted a landmark **165-second full-power test** of the CE20 cryogenic rocket engine at **sea level in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu**. The successful test validates the engine's **reliability and readiness for upcoming deep-space missions**, marking a significant milestone in India's space programme.
Why is ISRO working to source semiconductor chips domestically for space systems?
ISRO is working toward **procuring semiconductor chips domestically** to address **delays, high costs, and foreign dependency** in space systems. Domestic chip sourcing will reduce India's vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions and **strengthen the self-reliance (Atmanirbhar) goals** in the space sector.
How many satellites does India plan to launch for space-based surveillance over the next five years?
India plans to launch a **constellation of 52 satellites** over the **next five years** to enhance its **space-based surveillance capabilities**, according to the Chairman of the **Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe)**. This will significantly boost India's strategic and civilian monitoring capabilities from orbit.
What deep-space missions is ISRO preparing for following the CE20 engine test?
The successful **165-second CE20 cryogenic engine test** validates the engine's readiness for **upcoming deep-space missions**. ISRO's LVM3, powered by CE20, has already successfully deployed **OneWeb satellites** and executed **Chandrayaan-3**. The test paves the way for future lunar, interplanetary, and commercial heavy-lift missions.
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