India successfully tests cryogenic engine for next lunar mission

Guwahati, October 13, 2018:

The Cryogenic engine (CE-20) for GSLV Mk-III, designated for the launch of India’s second moon mission “Chandrayaan 2” was successfully tested by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

The test was conducted on October 11 for 25 seconds at the High Altitude Test facility, ISRO Propulsion Complex at Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu.

The moon mission is supposed to be executed on January 3, 2019. The super cooled engine operates on gas generator cycle using liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2) propellants.

Chandrayaan 2 will be launched from the rocketport at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The heavy rocket involves a rover and lander, more advanced and smoother, as compared to India’s first lunar mission on October 2008.