RAS question
ISRO conducted a successful full-power test of the CE20 cryogenic rocket engine in March 2026. For how many seconds did the test run, and which programme does this engine support?
Correct answer: (A) 165 seconds; Gaganyaan crewed spaceflight.
ISRO's March 10, 2026 CE20 cryogenic engine test ran for 165 seconds and supported the Gaganyaan crewed spaceflight programme.
Explanation
ISRO conducted the CE20 cryogenic engine test on March 10, 2026 at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri. Indian Space Research Organisation says the engine was tested at the 22 tonne thrust level for 165 seconds using the Nozzle Protection System, and that performance of both the engine and the test facility was as expected throughout the run. The CE20 powers the upper cryogenic stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle, and the same release links the tested engine to Gaganyaan work, including ignition-margin demonstration and engine qualification for Gaganyaan. That is why the answer pairs 165 seconds with the Gaganyaan crewed spaceflight programme, not a Moon, solar, or satellite mission.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Indian Space Research Organisation gives the test duration as 165 seconds, not 200 seconds, and links the CE20 work to Gaganyaan-related qualification rather than Chandrayaan-4.
- (C) The CE20 test did not run for 120 seconds, and it involved Gaganyaan and LVM3-related CE20 qualification, not any Aditya-L2 solar mission.
- (D) The test duration was 165 seconds rather than 180 seconds, and this CE20 test was not connected to the NISAR satellite.
Concept
This tests Indian space technology, especially launch-vehicle propulsion and mission-specific engine qualification. RAS often asks such current science items because ISRO milestones connect institutions, locations, indigenous technology and national programmes in one factual frame.