Pre-project work on what is called the SCE-200 began about four years back. "We plan to have an [semi-cryogenic] engine and stage capable of flight by the end of 2018 and try it on the GSLV-MkIII.
“The semi-cryogenic engine is getting fabricated. Testing of its pump and components has been going on. An engine testing facility is also getting set up at Mahendragiri,” Dr. Sivan said.
“The GSLV-MkIII that we plan to test in December has a core liquid fuel stage. When the semi-cryogenic engine gets ready, our plan is to replace the liquid stage with the SCE. We straightaway get six-tonne payload capability, two tonnes over what Mark III can give.”Subsequently the plan is to have a modular vehicle (earlier called the unified launch vehicle) which allows variations suited to different payloads.“We can have a bigger semicryogenic stage with clustered engines, similar to what SpaceX did using nine Merlin engines. We can then get a payload of 15 tonnes in the GTO.”
Mega launchers for ISRO soonQuotePre-project work on what is called the SCE-200 began about four years back. "We plan to have an [semi-cryogenic] engine and stage capable of flight by the end of 2018 and try it on the GSLV-MkIII.Quote“The semi-cryogenic engine is getting fabricated. Testing of its pump and components has been going on. An engine testing facility is also getting set up at Mahendragiri,” Dr. Sivan said.Quote“The GSLV-MkIII that we plan to test in December has a core liquid fuel stage. When the semi-cryogenic engine gets ready, our plan is to replace the liquid stage with the SCE. We straightaway get six-tonne payload capability, two tonnes over what Mark III can give.”Subsequently the plan is to have a modular vehicle (earlier called the unified launch vehicle) which allows variations suited to different payloads.“We can have a bigger semicryogenic stage with clustered engines, similar to what SpaceX did using nine Merlin engines. We can then get a payload of 15 tonnes in the GTO.”
Somanath: planning for GSLV Mark III launch in early 2017, as well as increasing GSLV and PSLV launch rates. #IAC2016
Is the SCE-200 essentially a derivative of RD-810 from Yuzhnoye?http://www.yuzhnoye.com/en/technique/rocket-engines/marching/rd-810/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SCE-200The specifications are rather identical.
The semi cryogenic engine, which would help the space vehicles to carry more payload is under development with the support of an international agency and would be ready in two years. There is a roadmap enhancing the capabilities of the Isro to carry upto 10 tonnes of payload in future, he said.
Page 6 :QuoteThis apart, research and development activities in semi-cryogenic propulsion engine, air breathing propulsion and re-usable launch vehicle technology are also being pursued in earnest in an effort towards reducing the cost of access to space. Development of critical technologies for undertaking human spaceflight has also made additional progress. Page 13 :QuoteThe activities carried out at IPRC, Mahendragiri are: assembly, integration and testing of earth storable propellant engines, cryogenic engines and stages for launch vehicles; high altitude testing of upper stage engines and spacecraft thrusters as well as testing of its sub systems; production and supply of cryogenic propellants for Indian cryogenic rocket programme, etc. A Semi-cryogenic Cold Flow Test facility (SCFT) has been established at IPRC, Mahendragiri for the development, qualification and acceptance testing of semi-cryogenic engine subsystems. Page 76 :QuoteSpace Transportation System The Indian Space Programme has made successful transition in terms of technology acquisition and launch vehicle development in the last year. PSLV went on to become a favoured carrier for satellites of various countries due to its reliability and cost efficiency, promoting unprecedented international collaboration. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) with indigenous Cryogenic stage, graduated to become an operational vehicle for communication satellites. Future readiness is the key to maintaining an edge in technology and ISRO endeavours to optimise, accelerate and enhance its technologies through establishment of facilities and forging partnership with industries. ISRO is moving forward with the development of heavy lift launchers, human spaceflight, reusable launch vehicles, semi-cryogenic engines, etc., to cater to different payloads and an array of missions. Page 79 & 80 :QuoteSemi-cryogenic Project :The semi-cryogenic Project envisages the design and development of a 2000 kN semi-cryogenic engine for a future heavy-lift Unified Launch Vehicle (ULV). The semi-cryogenic engine uses a combination of Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and ISROSENE (propellant-grade kerosene), which are eco-friendly and cost-effective propellants. Integrated Technical Reviews of semi cryogenic Engine by the National Expert Panel has ratified the engine specifications, system configuration and approach adopted for design of major engine sub-systems and the engine development/qualification plan. Fabrication of engine subsystems i.e., Thrust Chamber, Mixing head, Main Turbo pump, Booster Turbo pumps, Pre-burner and Heat Exchanger are in progress. Cold flow tests (five tests in non-cavitation mode) of Low Pressure Oxidiser Turbo Pump (LPOT) were conducted at newly established Cold Flow Test facility (CFT) at IPRC, Mahendragiri. Semi cryo pre burner single element injector hot tests (11 nos.) were also conducted demonstrating the ignition with hypergolic igniter and flame holding at very high mixture ratios. Design of subscale Pre-Burner and Thrust Chamber is completed and realisation is in progress. Out of 21 types of engine control components, assembly and testing of 16 types have been completed. Assembly and testing of two types and fabrication of three types are in progress. Also, realisation of four types of control components for Hydraulic Actuation System (HAS) is in progress. Preliminary details of overall Stage configuration and stage engineering of Semi-cryo stage with 200 T propellant loading (SC 200) has been worked out. Source :ISRO Annual Report of 2015-2016--- [ --- ]
This apart, research and development activities in semi-cryogenic propulsion engine, air breathing propulsion and re-usable launch vehicle technology are also being pursued in earnest in an effort towards reducing the cost of access to space. Development of critical technologies for undertaking human spaceflight has also made additional progress.
The activities carried out at IPRC, Mahendragiri are: assembly, integration and testing of earth storable propellant engines, cryogenic engines and stages for launch vehicles; high altitude testing of upper stage engines and spacecraft thrusters as well as testing of its sub systems; production and supply of cryogenic propellants for Indian cryogenic rocket programme, etc. A Semi-cryogenic Cold Flow Test facility (SCFT) has been established at IPRC, Mahendragiri for the development, qualification and acceptance testing of semi-cryogenic engine subsystems.
Space Transportation System The Indian Space Programme has made successful transition in terms of technology acquisition and launch vehicle development in the last year. PSLV went on to become a favoured carrier for satellites of various countries due to its reliability and cost efficiency, promoting unprecedented international collaboration. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) with indigenous Cryogenic stage, graduated to become an operational vehicle for communication satellites. Future readiness is the key to maintaining an edge in technology and ISRO endeavours to optimise, accelerate and enhance its technologies through establishment of facilities and forging partnership with industries. ISRO is moving forward with the development of heavy lift launchers, human spaceflight, reusable launch vehicles, semi-cryogenic engines, etc., to cater to different payloads and an array of missions.
Semi-cryogenic Project :The semi-cryogenic Project envisages the design and development of a 2000 kN semi-cryogenic engine for a future heavy-lift Unified Launch Vehicle (ULV). The semi-cryogenic engine uses a combination of Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and ISROSENE (propellant-grade kerosene), which are eco-friendly and cost-effective propellants. Integrated Technical Reviews of semi cryogenic Engine by the National Expert Panel has ratified the engine specifications, system configuration and approach adopted for design of major engine sub-systems and the engine development/qualification plan. Fabrication of engine subsystems i.e., Thrust Chamber, Mixing head, Main Turbo pump, Booster Turbo pumps, Pre-burner and Heat Exchanger are in progress. Cold flow tests (five tests in non-cavitation mode) of Low Pressure Oxidiser Turbo Pump (LPOT) were conducted at newly established Cold Flow Test facility (CFT) at IPRC, Mahendragiri. Semi cryo pre burner single element injector hot tests (11 nos.) were also conducted demonstrating the ignition with hypergolic igniter and flame holding at very high mixture ratios. Design of subscale Pre-Burner and Thrust Chamber is completed and realisation is in progress. Out of 21 types of engine control components, assembly and testing of 16 types have been completed. Assembly and testing of two types and fabrication of three types are in progress. Also, realisation of four types of control components for Hydraulic Actuation System (HAS) is in progress. Preliminary details of overall Stage configuration and stage engineering of Semi-cryo stage with 200 T propellant loading (SC 200) has been worked out.
V. Narayanan (Liquid Propulsion System Centre, Thiruvananthapuram) described the issues and problems in the development of liquid rocket engines and the role played by P. J. Paul at several stages. Amongst others, he spoke of issues with ignition in the gas generator section at low mixture ratio, and combustion instability problems of the new design of semi-cryo engine under development now. He emphasized that more theoretical studies were needed in respect of vacuum ignition of steering engine, ignition of gas generator at low mixture ratio, saw tooth pattern observed in the main thrust chamber after hot test and combustion instability modelling of semi-cryogenic engines for providing strength in making critical decisions in short duration high risk development of these engines.
As things stand now, the Indian semi-cryogenic engine stage is expected to be ready before the end of this decade. It was originally planned to be ready by the middle of this decade.
Currently, the project for the development of Semicryogenic engine has been approved and the Semicryogenic engine is under development. The various activities carried out towards the development of the Semicryogenic engine include- (i) Indigenous realisation of 35 materials and 22 coating processes (ii) Qualification of indigenous bearings for turbo pumps (iii) Fabrication of the first hardware for three engine subsystems including low pressure turbo pumps and one high pressure turbo pump through industry (iv) Design validation of the low pressure turbo pumps through cold flow trials. An advanced space launcher that can deliver ten-tonne and heavier communication satellites to space requires a booster stage with clustered Semicryogenic engines. After the successful qualification of the Semicryogenic engine, the development of the Semicryogenic booster stage with clustered engines is expected to be initiated.
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=157921QuoteCurrently, the project for the development of Semicryogenic engine has been approved and the Semicryogenic engine is under development. The various activities carried out towards the development of the Semicryogenic engine include- (i) Indigenous realisation of 35 materials and 22 coating processes (ii) Qualification of indigenous bearings for turbo pumps (iii) Fabrication of the first hardware for three engine subsystems including low pressure turbo pumps and one high pressure turbo pump through industry (iv) Design validation of the low pressure turbo pumps through cold flow trials. An advanced space launcher that can deliver ten-tonne and heavier communication satellites to space requires a booster stage with clustered Semicryogenic engines. After the successful qualification of the Semicryogenic engine, the development of the Semicryogenic booster stage with clustered engines is expected to be initiated.
Quote from: mightyprince on 08/14/2015 06:00 pmIf the history in below link is true , then India is at loss as "it could not be copied, modified, upgraded, re-exporter nor transferred to a third party without the permission of Yuzhnoye "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SCE-200For any higher thrust engine, India again needs to start from scratch.The information is that wikipedia article is outdated and misleading. As far as i am aware Ukraine supplied blueprints for certain components of the engine and provided input into the development of a certain alloy but ISRO still has the ability to upgrade and use the engine however they want. In fact there was some speculation sometime ago about the thurst being increased by 25% for application in a super HLV rocket however there are no official sources to back this up.
If the history in below link is true , then India is at loss as "it could not be copied, modified, upgraded, re-exporter nor transferred to a third party without the permission of Yuzhnoye "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SCE-200For any higher thrust engine, India again needs to start from scratch.