The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 28th August, 2021 successfully conducted the first hot test of system demonstration model (SDM) of the Gaganyaan service module propulsion system. The test was conducted for duration of 450 seconds at the test facility of Isro Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu.
“The system performance met the test objectives and there was a close match with the pre-test predictions. Further, a series of hot tests are planned to simulate various mission conditions as well as off-nominal conditions,” Isro said in an official statement.
As per the statement, the service module is part of the Gaganyaan Orbital module and is located below the crew module and remains connected to it until re-entry. On July 14, 2021 ISRO had conducted the third long-duration hot test on the liquid propellant Vikas engine to launch the Gaganyaan mission.
According to Isro, the test of the Vikas engine was done for the core L110 liquid stage of the human rated GSLV MkIII vehicle, as part of the engine qualification requirements for the Gaganyaan programme.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the formal announcement of the Gaganyaan programme during his Independence Day address on August 15, 2018. The objective of the Gaganyaan mission is to demonstrate Isro’s capability to send humans to low-earth orbit onboard an Indian launch vehicle and bring them back to Earth.
