ISRO Tests Gaganyaan Propulsion System, Edging Closer to First Human Spaceflight

In a major stride toward India’s first human spaceflight mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted two crucial hot tests of the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.

The tests were conducted to validate the configuration and performance of the propulsion system—a vital component of the Gaganyaan Orbital Module. The first hot test lasted 30 seconds, followed by a second, more extensive trial that continued for 100 seconds. According to ISRO, both tests were completed successfully, with the propulsion system performing exactly as predicted in pre-test simulations.

A significant highlight of the 100-second test was the simultaneous operation of all 16 Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters and all five Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) engines. This demonstrated the system’s ability to perform both steady-state and pulsed operations—capabilities essential for orbital manoeuvres and handling abort scenarios during the mission.

The SMPS is designed to provide orbital manoeuvring and emergency escape capabilities for the Gaganyaan mission. The propulsion system comprises five LAM engines, each offering 440 Newtons of thrust, and sixteen RCS thrusters, each delivering 100 Newtons. Its robust design plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of the astronauts and the overall success of the mission.

The development of the SMPS is being led by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion System Centre (LPSC), which incorporated several improvements in the system based on insights from previous tests. Engineers also simulated flight-like conditions during these hot tests to closely replicate real mission scenarios.

ISRO officials expressed confidence following the successful trials and confirmed that preparations are underway for a full-duration hot test in the near future. This will serve as the final validation of the propulsion system before it is integrated into the actual Gaganyaan Orbital Module.

The Gaganyaan mission is one of ISRO’s most ambitious projects, aiming to send Indian astronauts—Gagannauts—into space for the first time. With these successful propulsion tests, ISRO has taken another major step toward realizing this goal and cementing India’s place in the global human spaceflight community.

As India pushes forward in its journey to become a leading player in space exploration, the success of the SMPS tests underscores the scientific and engineering expertise driving the mission. Each milestone brings the country closer to launching its own crewed mission into space.

IT.