RAS question
How long was the full-power test of ISRO's CE20 cryogenic engine recently conducted at Mahendragiri?
Correct answer: (B) 165 seconds.
ISRO's CE20 cryogenic engine completed a 165-second sea-level full-power test at Mahendragiri.
Explanation
On 10 March 2026, ISRO conducted a sea-level full-power test of the CE20 cryogenic engine at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri. The test lasted 165 seconds. The engine was tested at a thrust level of 22 tonnes using a nozzle protection system and a multi-element igniter. This demonstrated that the CE20 could successfully complete the full 165-second sea-level test at that thrust level; the engine and test facility performed as expected throughout. The CE20 powers the upper cryogenic stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle. ISRO plans to use an uprated C32 stage operating at 22-tonne thrust in future LVM3 missions to increase payload capability. Therefore, the correct duration is 165 seconds.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) ISRO reported that the sea-level CE20 test at 22-tonne thrust lasted 165 seconds; 120 seconds is shorter than that duration.
- (C) ISRO reported a duration of 165 seconds for this sea-level CE20 test, so 200 seconds overstates the duration.
- (D) ISRO recorded the full-power CE20 test at Mahendragiri as lasting 165 seconds, not 90 seconds.
Concept
This question tests current affairs in space technology, especially ISRO launch-vehicle propulsion. RAS repeatedly asks about such topics because engine tests, launch vehicles and mission-readiness milestones connect science and technology with national institutions.